Is the smell of moth balls harmful to humans?

Is the smell of moth balls harmful to humans?

The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.

Can moth balls make you sick?

Why are Moth Balls a Health Risk? 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.

Are moth balls safe around food?

Mothballs should not be used around food or food preparation areas. Mothballs are only allowed to be used in airtight containers. Gasses build up to kill insects that feed on natural fibers. Those gasses may pose a risk to people or pets if used improperly.

How do you get the smell of naphthalene balls out of food?

The vinegar or charcoal should be replaced every few days as they absorb the odor. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oils to the bowl. If weather permits, leave doors and windows open to encourage air circulation.

How do you get mothball smell out of your chest?

Make a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar OR lemon juice. Dampen a cloth and rub the inside of the chest. Lemon or vinegar might help counteract the mothball odor. It’s very important to keep the lid open until the chest dries and even leave it open for several days.

What happens if you swallow a mothball?

If swallowed, it can cause upset stomach and possibly vomiting. The gas released from the mothball can be irritating to the eyes and nose, leading to watery eyes, runny nose and cough.

How do you get rid of food moths?

How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths

1. STEP 1: Empty the pantry and inspect its contents. Empty out the affected area—completely.
2. STEP 2: Dispose of non-airtight containers.
3. STEP 3: Vacuum the area, then clean with a vinegar-and-water solution.
4. STEP 4: Don’t re-stock the pantry right way!

How long does it take for mothball smell to go away?

One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.

What happens if you eat naphthalene balls?

Convulsions. Drowsiness. Headache. Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Can you eat a moth from a pantry?

Aside from the insects themselves, food infested by pantry moths may also have silk webbing present on the surface. So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don’t panic.

How can I get rid of moths in my food?

Tossing it in the kitchen wastebasket can give moths an opportunity to find a new food source. Treat it: While it’s best to dispose of the food you think is contaminated, you can also opt to treat it. Putting the food in a freezer for a week will kill off any adult pantry moths, their offspring and eggs.

What happens if you eat an Indian meal moth?

So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don’t panic. Indian meal moths are not known to spread any known diseases, parasites or pathogens.

What kind of moths are in crackers from the pantry?

Pantry moth larvae can sometimes infest crackers. After this worm-like stage, the larvae will develop into a moth. Will Eating Pantry Moths or Their Eggs or Larvae Make Me Sick? Pantry moths, also known as Indian Meal Moths, are the most common moth to infest food in North American homes.