What type of cancer does naphthalene cause?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies suggested the tests after some German workers exposed to naphthalene developed cancers including larynx, gastric, nasal, and colon cancer. The report was the 500th issued by the NTP using laboratory rats.

How toxic is naphthalene?

Naphthalene is a white solid substance with a strong smell. Poisoning from naphthalene destroys or changes red blood cells so they cannot carry oxygen. This can cause organ damage.

Can smelling naphthalene cause cancer?

There is no direct evidence in humans that naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, or 2-methylnaphthalene cause cancer.

Is sniffing naphthalene 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 long are mothballs toxic?

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 naphthalene safe for humans?

Naphthalene is used in the production of phthalic anhydride; it is also used in mothballs. Acute (short- term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage.

How does naphthalene cause death in humans?

On autopsy, the liver showed toxic hepatitis with confluent necrosis. Naphthalene concentrations in the blood and gastric contents were 5.4 and 5.8 mg/L, respectively. In conclusion, the decedent ingested naphthalene and died due to liver failure without hemolysis.

Are naphthalene balls safe for humans?

Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. Both of these chemicals are toxic fumigants (which means they volatilize into the air) and must be present in high concentrations to be effective. This is the problem.

How much mothballs is toxic?

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.

Can I put mothballs under my house?

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.

Is it safe to use naphthalene balls in kitchen?

Naphthalene should not be used where food is stored, nor in places where humans are exposed to the vapors. As for stored product pest insects, once indoors, they can find their way into any area of a residence.