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Naphthalene poisoning

Moth balls; Moth flakes; Camphor tar

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 the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

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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:

• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure
• Low urine output (may stop completely)
• Pain when urinating (may be blood in the urine)
• Shortness of breath
• Yellowing of skin (jaundice)

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 911 or the local emergency number.

Your local poison control 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 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, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 55.

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. Care of the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.

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Review Date: 10/6/2022  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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