July 27, 2006 — Teens who sniff or chew mothballs to get high may be taking a big health risk. Abusing the chemical in mothballs can cause mental sluggishness, unsteady walking, and skin rashskin rash, warn French doctors who treated a girl hospitalized for the problem in Marseille.

What happens if you sniff mothballs?

The problem lies in this, mothballs are poisonous. If you can smell mothballs, you are inhaling them and exposing yourself to their harmful effects. Mothball exposure can result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, disorientation, and difficulty breathing.

Can mothballs be addictive?

Huffing mothballs is dangerous. Most teens won’t do it often enough to get addicted, but addiction is possible. What is more likely is that teens inhaling the fumes will experience health problems.

Can smelling mothballs hurt you?

The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Children or pets sometimes mistake mothballs for food or candy and eat them, which can cause serious effects.

Why am I addicted to smelling mothballs?

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You're essentially ingesting the solid. These chemicals will bond with proteins in your body particularly in the lens of your eye.

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.

How long do moth balls smell?

How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.

Is mothball a drug?

Naphthalene or mothballs, a commonly used substance in households and freely available in the market is an uncommon form of inhalant abuse which may lead to severe medical complications.

What happens if we inhale naphthalene balls?

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 …

How many naphthalene balls cause death?

Symptoms of naphthalene poisoning may not appear for several hours or days following ingestion. 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 (Sandmeyer, 1981).

Will mothballs stain clothes?

Over time, the mothballs will dissolve. Wash stored clothing with vinegar before wearing it. The clothing will have a strong mothball smell, so clean it first.

How do you use para moth balls?

To insure protection of your cloths, use the recommended amount ofENOZ® Para Moth Balls. Distribute mothballs evenly around and between the folds of stored articles. Keep product in airtight space for a minimum of 7 days. If mothballs have dissipated, add additional mothballs to the storage closet or container.

What is the difference between moth balls and para moth balls?

There are two different types of moth balls used to combat the moths. In one type, the main ingredient is naphthalene, and in the other it is paradichlorobenzene. The idea with both chemicals is to kill moths and moth larvae with the fumes.

Can you eat mothballs?

As little as one mothball can be toxic when swallowed. The chemicals can harm blood cells. Effects may not appear for up to five days after a mothball is eaten.

Can I put mothballs in my drawers?

No, mothballs aren’t necessary



One, they’re toxic. Two, many people dislike the smell. Also, “they work best in very small areas,” explains Harrison. “You can put them in a small drawer, but don’t expect them to be effective in a large closet.”

Will squirrels eat mothballs?

Are Mothballs Toxic to Squirrels? Mothballs are actually very toxic to squirrels and many other animals. Sometimes, squirrels may eat a mothball after mistaking it for a different kind of food, and this will sadly kill them. The reason for the toxicity is that mothballs contain a chemical called naphthalene.

Can mothballs keep spiders away?

There is an easy solution to repel spiders in areas of the home where you don’t want them, and that solution is: moth balls! Moth balls not only kill moths, but they can ward off other pests, such as spiders.