Mothball Memories

Guest · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:38 pm Post subject: Mothball Memories

My mother insists on using mothballs in her closet. All her clothes smell awful-and often, so does she. How safe are these smelly little balls, and could she use other effective, natural methods to keep moths away?

Carla Elm Clement · alive Expert Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

Mothballs always remind me of happy childhood visits to my grandmother’s apartment, but mothballs are far from innocent.

Used to kill the larvae of tiny moths that chew through fabric, mothballs are made of either paradichlorobenzene (PDB) or naphthalene. PDB is a suspected carcinogen that irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract and may cause liver damage after prolonged exposure. Naphthalene can lead to red blood cell damage, hemolytic anemia, and potential acute kidney disease. Recent studies have linked naphthalene to nasal cancer.

Mothball vapours enter the body through inhalation and through skin exposed to saturated clothing and bedding. Children are especially at risk since many mothball products resemble pastel-coloured candy. When ingested, mothballs may cause seizures and acute damage to internal organs. It’s time to consider alternatives.

Cedar blocks, cedar shavings, and cedar oil are all effective moth repellents. Place cedar blocks, balls, and cubes in enclosed closets and clothing chests to repel insects. Spray cedar oil throughout areas where you want to deter moths from laying eggs. Buy inexpensive cedar shavings from your pet store.

Alternatively, check natural food stores for moth-repellent products that contain rosemary, peppermint, thyme, and cloves. Using such products in enclosed spaces increases their strength and effectiveness, and cleaning fabrics regularly and ccasionally drying them in the sun also repels moths.

Let your mother know that by using alternative products she’ll reduce danger and fashion safer scent memories for everyone who visits her home.

Narik · Guest

Does anyone know if sandalwood (the wood itself or just the scent) can be used as a substitute to mothballs as well?