Napthalene

Mothball ingredient causes cancer, government says

What happens when you heat a mothball (specifically naphthalene)?***

Message:

Dear Daphne,

I am not sure exactly what type of answer you are looking for, but I hope what I am about to write will help you.  When you heat a mothball (naphthalene), simply it will melt.  It's melting point is 80C.  While it is heating; however, it will give off a very strong odor which should not be inhaled.  Inhalation may cause headache and nausea.  Also, water should not ever be mixed with hot naphthalene, as this mixture causes a very violent reaction.  I hope this is the help you were looking for, please feel free to write me back if you need more information.

Take care!!
Katie

***    Did you hear what this chemist says about not inhaling heated napthalene?????
           Hmmmm... Don't most smokers inhale? ***

This from: Pudue University

Mothballs are a distinctive smelling, volatile solid used to repel moths. Mothballs, which are classified as a pesticide, may look like candy to a child. They are poisonous when eaten and seizures can develop in less than one hour. Mothballs contain 100% of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both of these ingredients can produce harmful effects when they enter your system through inhalation. Irritation to nose, throat, and lungs, headache, confusion, excitement or depression, and liver and kidney damage can result from exposure to mothball vapors over a long period of time.

Mothballs containing naphthalene are of special concern because naphthalene can promote a breakdown of red blood cells resulting in hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia in mild form may cause only fatigue. In more severe cases, it can cause acute kidney failure. Young children are at particular risk. Poisonings have been reported following dressing infants in clothing that was stored with naphthalene mothballs, suggesting that absorption of naphthalene may occur through the skin.

The warning label on mothball products reads "avoid prolonged breathing of vapors." This label is at odds with the normal use of mothballs. By the very nature of their ingredients, mothballs give off strong odors (vapors which you can smell). These vapors tend to fill the entire home, making it nearly impossible to avoid prolonged breathing of vapors unless you live outdoors. The situation is complicated further when mothballs are placed in closets or rooms with poor ventilation, where the vapors build to high concentrations. Vapors are absorbed by clothes, blankets, and sheets resulting in direct exposure when you are around these items.

Use: Avoid these products. If you do use mothballs, use them sparingly. Mothballs which contain paradichlorobenzene may be safer, if only because they do not promote hemolytic anemia.

Storage: Store away from children and pets in a well ventilated area. Mothballs, if stored indoors, should be tightly wrapped in two plastic bags.

Disposal: Mothballs should be taken to a licensed hazardous waste handler or saved for a professional household hazardous waste collection program.