How much naphthalene 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.
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 …
Is naphthalene a toxic substance?
Naphthalene is considered low in toxicity by the U.S. EPA for dermal exposure. The U.S. EPA considered primary eye irritation to be slight to moderate and skin irritation to be moderate based on studies with rabbits. Naphthalene is considered to be low in toxicity for both exposure routes.
How many mothballs can cause death?
The fatal dose for naphthalene in humans is unknown, but as little as one mothball can result in toxicity in children. Deaths have been reported the following ingestion of naphthalene balls.
Why is naphthalene toxic?
Naphthalene is the more toxic ingredient as it causes red blood cells to break apart, a condition known as hemolytic anemia. Babies are most vulnerable because they can receive the highest exposure and they are less able to clear toxic naphthalene byproducts formed in blood.
How toxic are mothballs to humans?
Are mothballs toxic? The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. 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.
Can the smell of mothballs make you sick?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing.
Is naphthalene a carcinogen?
Cancer Hazard ► Naphthalene is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans.
Why is naphthalene banned UK?
3. Why is Naphthalene banned? The substance is banned due to its toxicity to humans, especially children, and its carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties. It is also highly flammable.
Is naphthalene safe for humans?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. 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.
Can smelling mothballs make you sick?
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.
What happens if eat naphthalene balls?
If swallowed, naphthalene can damage red blood cells, causing kidney damage and many other problems. It can affect how blood carries oxygen to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures and coma.
What are the effects of exposure to naphthalene?
High or repeated exposure can cause clouding of the eye lens (cataract), which may damage vision. f Inhaling Naphthalene can irritate the nose and throat. f High exposure to Naphthalene can cause headache, fatigue, confusion, tremor, nausea and vomiting. f Exposure to Naphthalene may cause a skin allergy.
What kind of toxicity does naphthalene have in rats?
(6,7,9) Tests involving acute exposure of rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs have demonstrated naphthalene to have moderate to high acute toxicity from ingestion and low to moderate acute toxicity from dermal exposure.
When did the toxicological profile for naphthalene come out?
A Toxicological Profile for Naphthalene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, and 2-Methylnaphthalene, Draft for Public Comment was released in September 2003. This edition supersedes any previously released draft or final profile. Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary.
What is the current IDLH level of naphthalene?
Therefore, the revised IDLH for naphthalene is 250 ppm based on acute oral toxicity data in humans [Gerarde 1960]. 1. AIHA [1967].