WHAT ARE MOTHBALLS? Mothballs are not intended to be used term, high level exposure. HEED IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS Mothballs have been used for many years outdoors. The active ingredients can FOUND ON MOTHBALLS in the United States as an insect and pest contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, ARE CHILDREN MORE PESTICIDE LABELS and contribute to air pollution. repellent for natural fbers, especially wool. VULNERABLE TO MOTHBALL Following the label instructions will not Naphthalene was frst registered as a POISONING? only limit or reduce exposure to these pesticide in the United States in 1948. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ROUTES OF EXPOSURE? Mothballs present a challenge for users and pesticides, but will control the pest more The State of Florida has registered effectively. The label is a legal document • Dermal - Through direct contact with skin. parents since many products are shaped approximately 400 moth/clothing related and its instructions must be followed • Respiratory - By breathing in vapors. and colored like food or candy and thus are products. accordingly. If you do not understand the • Ingestion - Through accidental attractive to children. Children may also be exposed as a result of clothing, diapers instructions found on pesticide labels, Most of these products contain the active consumption or failing to wash your and bedding that has been stored with please fnd someone who can explain ingredients naphthalene, although some hands after handling moth-balls and then mothballs. In addition, certain populations them to you, or contact your local still remain in the market that contain handling food. of children appear to be more susceptible University Extension Offce Agent for para-dichlorobenzene. Both active to developing anemia, jaundice and further assistance. The following tips will ingredients are effective because they MOTHBALL EXPOSURE kidney damage (due to the destruction help you understand mothballs pesticide vaporize at room temperature. HEALTH EFFECTS of red blood cells) following exposure to labels: Health effects from mothballs depend on mothballs. This sensitivity is due to a Mothballs are commercially available the active ingredient and the type of decreased ability of these children to rid 1. Use only the amounts recommended in solid formulations such as balls (like exposure. When used according to label their body of naphthalene metabolites. on the label by following its instructions. marbles), fakes, cakes, crystals, blocks, directions, no signifcant health effects are Make sure the pesticide is used scented packets and cases. They have a expected. Symptoms will vary with the according to volume of the area to be very strong odor that smells like camphor. type of exposure to mothballs. Individuals treated. When volume is not known it exposed to mothball vapors containing can be calculated by using the HOW ARE MOTHBALLS naphthalene may experience headaches, following formula: INTENDED TO BE USED? nausea, dizziness, respiratory irritation, (height x width x depth of the space) The fumes from mothballs kill clothes blood effects and eye effects. Dermal moths, their eggs and larvae that eat exposure symptoms include irritation and More is not better! natural fbers in indoor storage areas, burning of the skin, or possible allergic such as closets, attics and basements. reactions with repeated exposures. 2. Follow post-application instructions to prevent fumes from drifting to non- Vapor or dust exposure to target areas. 1,4-dichlorobenzene at very high concentrations may cause irritation of the 3. Mothball product labels contain eyes and respiratory tract, upset stomach, instructions for treating articles by liver and kidney damage and effects on the placing mothballs in an airtight space, nervous system. Long-term ingestion of such as a garment bag or well sealed Clothing Moth (Tineola bisselliella) 1,4-dichlorobenzene may adversely affect container for a determined period of blood cells and liver function. Some animal time. Unfortunately, mothballs are studies indicate that both active ingredients sometimes improperly used in may have carcinogenic potential with long- locations not listed on labels such as: Additionally, naphthalene-based mothball If you need further information about the attics, walls, voids, crawl spaces, products are sometimes illegally imported proper use of mothballs, please contact gardens, trash cans, vehicles, or in without federal or state evaluation of the the sources below. If someone has open closets, or plastic garbage bags. products’ content and labeling. Some of accidentally swallowed mothballs, call 911. These uses are a violation of the label these products, especially those and are illegal. manufactured in various colors, pose a CONTACT INFORMATION special risk to children as they have a 4. Mothballs sometimes are used illegally candy-like appearance. • FDACS Pesticide Compliance: to repel pests not listed on labels. (850) 617-7880 Some of these “off-label pests” include: Remember that use of a pesticide not in squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and accordance with the label is a violation of • National Pesticide Information Center: snakes, among others animals. Use the Florida Pesticide Law. Violators may 1-800-858-7378 mothballs pesticide products to control be subject to administrative action, which (7:30 AM-3:30 PM PST) or the pests listed on the label only! includes fnes up to $10,000 per violation. E-mail at [email protected] Outdoor use of mothballs is also a In addition, those misusing pesticides may violation of the label. be subject to the penalty provisions of the • Poison Control Center: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 1-800-222-1222 Remember mothballs are not legal for Rodenticide Act, administered by the EPA. use as snake repellents! • Florida Department of Health A FEW TIPS ON USING Bureau of Epidemiology, 5. Follow storage and disposal instructions MOTHBALLS SAFELY: Pesticide Surveillance Program on moth control pesticides. 1-800-606-5810 • Use only tightly sealed bags or other ARE MOTHBALLS PESTICIDES? containers to prevent vapors from escaping into occupied rooms or cabinets. Mothballs are pesticides regulated by the United States Environmental Protection • Wash and/or air out treated fabrics Agency (EPA) and in Florida by the Florida before use (especially children’s clothing). Florida Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture and Consumer • Store only in the original container in a and Consumer Services Services (FDACS). All pesticides sold in cool, dry place inaccessible to children The Conner Building Florida must be registered by FDACS and and pets. 3125 Conner Blvd. must be used according to label instructions. • Do not place unused mothballs down Tallahassee, Florida 32399 indoor or outdoor drains. (850) 617-7850 Each year, FDACS investigates many complaints involving the improper use of mothballs. The majority of these cases involve the illegal use of mothballs outdoors to repel snakes, squirrels, moles, dogs, and other animals; often these misuses affect neighbors or bystanders who become exposed to the mothball vapors. FDACS-P-01860