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Naphthalene poisoning

Definition

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.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Moth balls; Moth flakes; Camphor tar

Poisonous Ingredient

Naphthalene is the poisonous ingredient.

Where Found

Naphthalene can be found in:

  • Moth repellent
  • Toilet bowl deodorizers
  • Other household products, such as paints, glues, and automotive fuel treatments

Note: Naphthalene can sometimes be found in household products abused as inhalants.

Symptoms

Stomach problems may not occur until 2 days after coming in contact with the poison. They can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

The person may also have a fever. Over time, the following symptoms also may occur:

Note: People with a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are more vulnerable to the effects of naphthalene.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

Poison Control

If you suspect possible poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call your local emergency number (such as 911).

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as needed.

Blood and urine tests will be done.

People who have recently eaten many mothballs containing naphthalene may be forced to vomit.

Other treatments may include:

  • Activated charcoal to prevent the poison from absorbing in the digestive system.
  • Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration. A breathing machine (ventilator) would then be needed as well.
  • Chest x-ray.
  • ECG (electrocardiogram or heart tracing).
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV).
  • Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body and remove it.
  • Medicines to treat symptoms and reverse the effects of the poison.

Outlook (Prognosis)

It can take several weeks or longer to recover from some of the poison's effects.

If the person has convulsions and coma, the outlook is not good.

References

Latham MD. Toxicology. In: Kleinman K, McDaniel L, Molloy M, eds. The Harriet Lane Handbook. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.

Levine MD. Chemical injuries. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 57.

Lewis JH. Liver disease caused by anesthetics, chemicals, toxins, and herbal preparations. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 89.

Meehan TJ. Approach to the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 139.

Last reviewed October 12, 2020 by Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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