Table of Contents
Do naphthalene balls cause cancer?
Animal studies have suggested that naphthalene can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that naphthalene is possibly carcinogenic to humans. The U.S. EPA classified naphthalene as a possible human carcinogen, also based on animal studies.
Are naphthalene balls harmful?
Moth balls containing naphthalene are generally safe for use around adults and older children, if used correctly and in the right quantity. It can be very dangerous if moth balls are eaten, so it is especially important that mothballs are stored well out of the reach of small children and pets.
What cancer does naphthalene cause?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies suggested the tests after some German workers exposed to naphthalene developed cancers including larynx, gastric, nasal, and colon cancer.
Are naphthalene balls safe to inhale?
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 …
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.
Can naphthalene cause lung cancer?
There is no direct evidence in humans that naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, or 2-methylnaphthalene cause cancer. However, cancer from naphthalene exposure has been seen in animal studies. Some female mice that breathed naphthalene vapors daily for a lifetime developed lung tumors.
Is it safe to put mothballs inside the house?
Mothballs should not be placed in closets, attics, basements, storage chests or trunks, garment bags or other spaces other than in tightly closed containers as explained above. Gasses from the mothballs escape into the air and can cause respiratory problems.
Where should I put mothballs in my house?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well-sealed container, never in an open closet or plastic garbage bag, according to the authors. “Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air,” Stone said.
Has anyone died from mothballs?
The fatal dose for naphthalene in humans is unknown, but as little as one mothball can result in toxicity in children. Deaths have been reported the following ingestion of naphthalene balls.
How toxic is naphthalene?
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.