Naphthalene in Moth Balls and Toilet Deodorant Cakes

Last updated: 16 October 2008

What is Naphthalene?

Some moth balls and toilet deodorant cakes contain a substance called naphthalene. Naphthalene is a solid, white material with a distinctive odour, and it is found naturally in fossil fuels like coal and oil.

How can I be exposed to Naphthalene?

Naphthalene exposure can occur if you breathe air that contains naphthalene, if you drink liquids containing naphthalene, or if products containing naphthalene are touched or accidentally eaten.

Be aware that you can also breathe in naphthalene vapours from clothes that have been stored in moth balls.

What effect can naphthalene have on health?

Exposure to very large amounts of naphthalene can cause damage to blood cells, leading to a condition called haemolytic anaemia.

This condition has been seen in people, particularly children, after they have eaten moth balls containing naphthalene.

Some of the symptoms that may occur after exposure to large quantities of naphthalene are fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

The skin may become pale or yellow-coloured. If any of these symptoms occur after exposure to naphthalene, you should immediately consult a doctor. There is no direct evidence that naphthalene can cause cancer in people.

How should naphthalene be used safely?

Moth balls containing naphthalene are generally safe for use around adults and older children, if used correctly and in the right quantity.

Australian guidelines set by the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee recommend that the use of naphthalene is restricted around children under three years of age.

This means that children's blankets and clothes should not be stored with mothballs containing naphthalene, and moth balls should not be used in young children's rooms or in areas where young children may spend their time. If children's blankets and clothing have accidentally been stored with naphthalene moth balls, they should be aired outdoors to remove any naphthalene odour and washed before they are used.

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.

Additionally, if you or one of your direct family members has been diagnosed with a genetic disorder of the blood, products containing naphthalene should be used with caution.

Further Information

Further advice concerning the health risks of naphthalene can be obtained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Australia wide from the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or from local Public Health Units.