How much exposure to mothballs is dangerous?
250 ppm
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.
What happens if you breathe in mothballs?
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 do I get the smell of mothballs out of my house?
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell from the House
- Use charcoal.
- Leave out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds.
- Set out a box of baking soda.
- Get some ventilation in the room.
- Use cedar chips or cedar balls.
- Spread zeolite – or household cat litter – on wood and furniture.
- Mop the floors in the room.
- Use air fresheners.
Why are mothballs banned?
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.
Can I put mothballs in my closet?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well- sealed container. Never place mothballs in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can persist for a long time.
Can breathing in mothballs make you sick?
How long before mothball smell goes away?
about 3-6 months
Mothball odor is a terrible smell to have clinging to your clothing. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. If you put the mothball under fabric or someplace where there is no air circulation, it takes about 12 months to dissipate!
Are mothballs carcinogenic?
EPA has classified naphthalene as a Group C, possible human carcinogen.
How do you neutralize the smell of mothballs?
One of the most successful methods for ridding the mothball smell from clothing is to soak the affected garments in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Alternatively, put the clothes in the washing machine and run a cycle using only vinegar; follow up with another wash cycle using detergent and softener.
How do I get rid of the smell of mothballs in my house?
How do you get rid of mothball fumes?
Are mothball fumes flammable?
Naphthalene is highly flammable, which is why dichlorobenzene in many more modern mothballs has replaced it . However, both chemicals have the same NFPA 704 code for flammability. The vapor that comes off of mothballs and kills pests is flammable, making them a serious fire hazard.
What to use instead of mothballs?
Here’s how to get rid of moths naturally without using mothballs.
- Always Wash First. Image via Bigstock.
- Cedar Chips. Cedar chips are a natural moth deterrent and a useful alternative for protecting your closet’s contents from insects.
- Lavender.
- Cloves.
- Airtight Containers.
- DIY Moth Repellant Spray.
- Clean Up After Pets.
Is it OK to put mothballs in the attic?
Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. “Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths,” Stone said. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals.
What happens if you inhale mothballs?
People have developed headaches, nausea, dizziness, and/or vomiting after being exposed to naphthalene vapors. If someone breathes in enough of the vapor or eats a mothball containing naphthalene, they might develop hemolytic anemia.
Can inhaling mothballs make you sick?
Are mothballs safe in the attic?
What are the dangers of moth balls?
– Do not flush down the drain – Do not throw in with regular trash – Take naphthalene balls at a hazardous-waste collection site
Are moth balls toxic to humans?
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. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.
Is it safe to have mothballs in the House?
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.
Are mothballs poisonous to humans?
Mothballs are commonly made of naphthalene or para- dichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic to humans. These chemicals are solids at room temperature and are made into round balls, flakes or cakes that slowly change to a gas and become fumes in the air.