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Naphthalene
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.
Alternative Names
Moth balls; Moth flakes; Camphor tarPoisonous Ingredient
Naphthalene
Where Found
- Moth repellent
- Toilet bowl deodorizers
Symptoms
Stomach problems may occur a day after exposure to the poison. They include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
The patient may also have a fever. Over time, the following additional symptoms may occur:
- Pain when urinating
- Low urine output (may stop completely)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Convulsions
- Shortness of breath
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Low blood pressure
- Jaundice
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Coma
NOTE: Persons with a condition called glucose-6-phosphate deficiency are more vulnerable to the effects of napthalene.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient'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.
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called 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.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.
Persons who have recently eaten many mothballs will be forced to vomit.
Other treatments may include:
- Activated charcoal
- Blood transfusion (rarely)
- A medicine called methylene blue if methemoglobinemia is present
Outlook (Prognosis)
It can take several weeks or longer to recover from some of the poisonous effects.
If the patient has convulsions and coma, the outlook is not good.
References
Roberts JR, Hedges JR. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.
Ford MD. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
