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. Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene sublimate , meaning they transition from a solid straight to a gas. The gas is toxic to the moths. For either of these chemicals to be effective, they need to be placed with the clothing in a sealed container so the fumes can build up and kill the moths. In a sealed atmosphere like this, the fumes are not harmful to people because they are contained.
The main threat would occur when opening the containers, or from wearing clothes immediately after opening especially a problem for infants. A solution is to open the containers outside and let the clothes hang and air out for a day before wearing.
We all seem to have an aunt whose entire house smells like moth balls, and we have all walked in to public restrooms where the smell of paradichlorobenzene is nearly overpowering.
Mothball fumes can stick to fabrics or clothing following storage, requiring items to be aired out and washed to remove the odor. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors as the ingredients can contaminate plants or soil , harm wildlife , contaminate water supplies and contribute to air pollution.
For more detailed information on the environmental fate of mothballs, see the additional resources listed below. If you have questions about the chemicals in mothballs, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at am - pm PST , or email at npic ace.
Inhalation of or skin contact with Transfluthrin is known to cause nervousness, anxiety, convulsions and skin allergies, amongst other symptoms, so it is important to follow the instructions on the label. The pyrethroid in modern mothballs is odourless. Traditional moth balls, the ones we know from our childhoods, contain one of two chemicals, napthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
These are white opaque crystal-like balls and they have a tell-tale strong, unpleasant, acrid smell. Traditional naphthalene mothballs are harmful to humans.
Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene work by sublimation which means that they give off toxic fumes which kill moths. They are designed to be stored with clothes in an airtight container, so the fumes build up over time, but when the vapours are inhaled by humans or come into contact with the skin through wearing clothes stored with moth balls, they can have serious health effects. Old fashioned moth balls containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene were banned in the EU Environmental Protection Agency in because of their potential risk to human health.
Both chemicals can cause ill health by breathing in fumes over time or ingestion which is a serious risk for small children. The ill effects cause damage to red blood cells and the onset of jaundice in young babies. On all counts the most serious risk of exposure is to young children aged three and under. Also, a section of the population with a genetic condition called G6PD deficiency are more susceptible to the effects. This depends on the type of moth ball you are using.
Pyrethroid insecticides, meaning those with active ingredients such as permethrin or transfluthrin there are many more , are considered broad spectrum, this means they work on a wide range on insects not just the clothes moth. However, a moth ball is designed to be placed in a sealed clothes storage box, so it will be active against the insects that go in your wardrobes and drawers, namely clothes moths for a long time.
It is important to always read the label and use the product how it has been intended by the manufacturer. The traditional napthalene and paradichlorobenzene based moth balls, which I stress again are banned, are active against insects and animals. So, if traditional products are banned, why am I telling you?
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