Mothballs, used to protect clothing from pests, are composed of the chemical naphthalene. The distinctive, pungent odor indicates you are inhaling the pesticide’s vapor as it transitions from a solid directly into a gas, a process known as sublimation. Naphthalene is classified as toxic. Inhalation, especially over time or in high concentrations, is harmful because the chemical fumes are readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs.
How Naphthalene Affects Red Blood Cells
Once inhaled, naphthalene is quickly absorbed and processed by the liver. Metabolism transforms the chemical into highly reactive byproducts, such as alpha-naphthol, which cause oxidative stress within red blood cells.
This oxidative damage impairs the red blood cells’ structure, leading to acute intravascular hemolysis. Hemolysis is the rapid destruction of red blood cells, occurring faster than the body can replace them. The loss of these cells causes hemolytic anemia, which reduces the blood’s capacity to transport oxygen throughout the body.
The damaged red cells also form abnormal aggregates of hemoglobin called Heinz bodies, contributing to their premature breakdown. This process diminishes the oxygen supply to vital organs. In severe cases, the byproducts of cell destruction can lead to acute kidney and liver dysfunction.
Acute Symptoms of Inhalation Exposure
Exposure to naphthalene vapor often results in noticeable symptoms affecting the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Initial signs include a persistent headache, dizziness, and general malaise. In cases of significant exposure, these neurological effects can escalate, sometimes leading to confusion and an altered mental state.
The gastrointestinal system reacts strongly to the inhaled chemical. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which develop shortly after exposure.
Naphthalene vapor is an irritant to the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract and eyes. Individuals often experience burning or stinging in the eyes, throat, and nose, alongside persistent coughing. These signs serve as immediate warning signals that the air quality is compromised.
Safety Measures and Vulnerable Groups
Certain populations have a higher risk of severe harm from naphthalene exposure. Infants and small children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller body mass and less-developed enzyme systems. This makes them less efficient at clearing toxic metabolites. Exposure in infants, even through unwashed treated clothing, has caused hemolytic anemia.
Individuals with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency face extreme risk. Their red blood cells lack the enzyme needed to protect against oxidative stress. For this group, naphthalene exposure can trigger a rapid and severe, life-threatening hemolytic crisis. This genetic trait is more common in people of African, Mediterranean, or Asian descent.
To mitigate risk, naphthalene mothballs should only be used in tightly sealed containers, strictly following the product label. Vapors must concentrate within the container and not escape into living spaces, such as closets or rooms. Any stored clothing must be thoroughly washed and aired out before use to remove residual contamination.
For pest control, non-toxic alternatives like cedar blocks or chips naturally repel moths without inhalation risk. If mothballs are used, proper ventilation of the storage area is essential to prevent toxic fumes from accumulating and spreading.