Mothballs are pesticides that come in a solid form then volatilize slowly into a gas. Mothballs produced in the U.S. contain one of two active ingredients: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
Symptoms of Mothball ToxicityAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to naphthalene used in mothballs can result in dizziness, breathing problems, malaise, convulsions, confusion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term exposure can cause chronic lung problems, jaundice, anemia, liver damage, cataracts, retinal damage and coma. Infants who are exposed to moth balls may suffer brain damage. Although it hasn't been proven, naphthalene also is a suspected carcinogen.
Moth Balls / Naphthalenehttp://npic.orst.edu/hottopic/mothball/index.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/about_5381817_dange ... balls.htmlhttp://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1900829http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pestici ... halene.pdfhttp://www.beyondpesticides.org/news/da ... _02_01.htmhttp://en.allexperts.com/q/Occupational ... -fumes.htm