Introduction

Have you ever seen small chalk-like colourful balls lying in a corner of your grandparents' home? Remember when you tried to pick up that curious little 'sweet', only to be stopped by your parents or an older folk? Perhaps you have been told about the dangers of touching those colourful balls. Here, we would like to give a more detailed explanation as to why those balls are harmful. We hope you stay and enjoy the read!

Those colourful balls are: MOTHBALLS.

They are placed in cupboards and wardrobes to keep away moths that would feed on clothes. Moths died immediately because mothballs contained substances that were toxic to them. Humans thought it only killed moths. However, we discover that the toxic substances have a considerable effect on humans too.

What are the active ingredients in mothballs?

-naphthalene (we will concentrate on this)

-paradichlorobenzene

These two can sublimate (change from solid to gas) and emit gasses that irritate the eyes and lungs. When inhaled, it can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Naphthalene can also cause red blood cells to break apart, resulting in hemolytic anaemia.

On top of all these, naphthalene can be absorbed by the skin and possibly enter the bloodstream. If the amount of naphthalene is high enough, it can cross the placenta and cause fetal toxicity.