Where should you not put mothballs in?

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.

What happens when mothballs are exposed to the air?

Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea.

Is mothballs chemical or physical change?

The vaporization of mothballs is a physical change. All changes in states of matter (condensation, evaporation, freezing, sublimation, melting) are physical changes because the chemical substance remains the same.

Is it safe to use naphthalene balls in bathroom?

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

Is smelling naphthalene balls harmful?

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 much naphthalene is in mothballs?

Naphthalene mothballs contain 99.9 percent naphthalene [3], and can range in weight from 0.5 g to 5 g [4].

What happens when you put mothballs in water?

At hazardous waste sites and landfills, naphthalene can dissolve in water, attach to soil, and leach into underground drinking water. Some naphthalene dissolves in rivers, lakes, or wells and evaporates within two weeks. Bacteria destroy naphthalene in water.

How long do mothballs last in open air?

3-6 months
How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.

Is mothballs and naphthalene balls same?

is that naphthalene is a white crystalline hydrocarbon manufactured from coal tar; used in mothballs while mothball is a small ball of chemical pesticide and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles susceptible to damage from mold or moth larvae in order to protect them from this damage; mothballs have …

What chemicals are in mothballs?

What chemicals are in mothballs? 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.

Why do naphthalene balls kill moth larvae?

The vapours from the naphthalene balls will accumulate inside the containers and eventually be released to kill the moth larvae on clothes. If you can smell the naphthalene balls, then the container or bag is not airtight, which means you need to use a different storage receptacle.

What are the health effects of mothballs?

Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia. Naphthalene is also a possible carcinogen. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.

Do mothballs kill clothes moths?

The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fbers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Clothing Moth (Tineola bisselliella) Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to airpollution.