Naphthalene is used in the production of phthalic anhydride; it is also used in mothballs. Acute (short- term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia , damage to the liver, and neurological damage.
How much naphthalene is harmful?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 ppm for naphthalene. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 250 ppm for naphthalene.
Is naphthalene a toxic substance?
Naphthalene is considered low in toxicity by the U.S. EPA for dermal exposure. The U.S. EPA considered primary eye irritation to be slight to moderate and skin irritation to be moderate based on studies with rabbits. Naphthalene is considered to be low in toxicity for both exposure routes.
Why is naphthalene toxic?
These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer. Naphthalene is the more toxic ingredient as it causes red blood cells to break apart , a condition known as hemolytic anemia.
Is naphthalene harmful to human health?
Inhalation of naphthalene may cause skin and eye irritation ; gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea; neurologic symptoms, such as confusion, excitement, and convulsions; renal problems, such as acute renal shutdown; and hematologic features, such as icterus and severe anemia ...
What does naphthalene do to humans?
Acute (short- term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia , damage to the liver, and neurological damage. Cataracts have also been reported in workers acutely exposed to naphthalene by inhalation and ingestion.
Is mothball harmful?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets . ... Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia.
Can you sleep in a room with mothballs?
‘ and the answer to this question is yes , potentially. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.
What happens if you eat naphthalene balls?
If swallowed, naphthalene can damage red blood cells , causing kidney damage and many other problems. It can affect how blood carries oxygen to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures and coma.
Is it safe to keep naphthalene balls in car?
Use naphthalene balls and keep it in different places in your car. You can also spray diluted phenyl in your car . The pungent odor keeps the rodents away. Get your engine bay thoroughly cleaned and then sprinkle the area with the worst quality of coarse chewing tobacco.
What is naphthalene commonly used for?
Naphthalene is an aromatic hydrocarbon found in coal tar or crude oil. Naphthalene is used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, fuels, and dyes . It is also used as a fumigant insecticide that works by turning directly from a solid into a toxic vapor. This process is called sublimation.
Can naphthalene balls keep rats away?
Mothballs are meant to kill moths, eggs and larvae, but are also used to keep rats, mice and squirrels away.
Why do mothballs remains undissolved in water?
Naphthalene evaporates easily . That is why you can smell mothballs. ... Some naphthalene will dissolve in water in rivers, lakes, or wells. Naphthalene in water is destroyed by bacteria or evaporates into the air.
Is naphthalene a carcinogen?
EPA has classified naphthalene as a Group C, possible human carcinogen .
Do rats hate mothballs?
Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities , however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents. Using mothballs to deter rodents is more likely to make your home smell bad rather than get rid of mice or prevent mice from entering the home.
How many naphthalene balls cause death?
A number of deaths have been reported following intentional ingestion of naphthalene-containing mothballs (ATSDR, 1990). The estimated lethal dose of naphthalene is 5-15 g for adults and 2-3 g for children .
