Why moth balls

If mothballs are used out in the open, they can harm people, pets, or wildlife that may touch or eat the mothballs, or breathe their vapors. If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at am - pm PST , or email at npic ace.

NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions.

The information below contains additional resources for the proper use of mothballs and some alternative methods of controlling clothes moths. If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at am - pm PST , or email at npic ace.

Return to Mothball Main Page. NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. Environmental Protection Agency cooperative agreement X The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.

Australian guidelines 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 be present or have access to.

If children's blankets and clothing have inadvertently been stored with naphthalene moth balls, they should be aired outdoors to remove any 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 avoided.

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 In NSW call to talk to your local public health unit.

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