Moth Pests & Mothball odor hazards & best methods for removal of mothball odors

Mothball Odors & Chemicals, Hazards, Exposure, Health Effects, Odor Removal
Health Effects of Exposure to (or ingestion of) Mothballs, Moth cakes, Moth Repellent Crystals
How to Reduce Indoor Exposure to Mothball Odors, Chemicals, Gases
How to get rid of mothball odors in buildings, contents, clothing, furnishings
ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE - separate article
Questions & answers about mothball chemicals, hazards, odors, & odor removal
References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Mothball odor removal & mothball chemical & gas hazards: here we describe the detection of and risks of exposure to mothball chemicals & odors when moth repellent products are applied indoors in buildings.

We describe how to get rid of mothball odors in buildings, building furnishings, clothing, or vehicles.

We note the possible health hazards from exposure to mothball odors (and gases) as well as the child hazard of eating mothballs or moth repellent products. We discuss methods to reduce mothball chemical & gas exposure.

We cite authoritative sources of information about safe and proper use of moth repellents and about mothball and moth repellent chemistry, child hazards, indoor air quality and health concerns, and proper application and use of these products. Page top image of mothballs courtesy of Wikipedia creative commons. Clothes moth image shown at above left is from Stone & Stock, PNW who provide an excellent guide to moth control. [19]

Mothball Odors & Chemicals, Hazards, Exposure, Health Effects, Odor Removal

Mothballs are fumigants containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and act a pest repellent and possibly act also as a pesticide used to protect clothing and other soft goods from attack by moths. [The moth at left and all other moths shown in this article except the one at the top of this page are not clothes-attacking insects.]

Some people have also tried using moth repellent products like mothballs to keep rodents and other pests out of certain building areas or out of stored vehicles.

Placing an open box of mothballs under the hood of my MG midget while it was stored kept squirrels and mice from nesting in the engine compartment, and leaving a box of mothballs inside the car was an attempt to keep the same pests out of the vehicle interior too.

Watch out: we do not recommend placing mothballs, moth cakes, or moth repellent flakes inside building rooms, crawl spaces, attics, wall or ceiling cavities, trash cans, nor inside vehicles, both because the fumes and chemicals can be hazardous to humans and because the odor can later be difficult to get rid-of. We explain this problem in detail below.

Watch out: because mothballs are a registered pesticide and because of the toxicity of their chemicals, it is illegal to use mothballs or moth crystals, cakes, etc. as a repellent for animal pests (birds, cats, deer, dogs, moles, pigeons, mice, skunks, raccoons,snakes, squirrels, etc.) [19]

As stated in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction and detailed at PESTICIDE EXPOSURE HAZARDS

Pesticides are a special class of organic chemicals designed to kill living organisms. In addition to the compounds used in the home and garden, the class of chemicals regulated as pesticides also include kitchen and bath disinfectants, flea and tick products, and swimming pool chemicals. In most cases, both the active ingredient targeted to one or more pests and the “inert” carriers are organic chemicals that are toxic to humans.

Every registered pesticide has a “signal” word on the label, ranking the level of toxicity to humans, as follows:

Danger—Poison: highly poisonous
Danger: poisonous or corrosive
Warning: moderately hazardous
Caution: least hazardous

Health Effects of Exposure to (or ingestion of) Mothballs, Moth cakes, Moth Repellent Crystals

Mothballs contain either of the chemicals paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. Paradichlorobenzene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA, and its vapors can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Large doses can damage the liver. Mothballs are not intended to be placed in open spaces such as rooms, closets, or vehicles. Rather they should be used in an airtight space such as a clothes storage bag. [7]

Mothballs are fumigants that will dissolve or sublime at lower temperatures; mothballs thus work by a process of sublimation - the solid ball of chemicals converts directly to a gas that enters the air nearby. [2][7] But believe it or not mothballs or moth crystals may also be a child hazard if eaten - as has happened. [3][6][7]

Symptoms of exposure to naphthalene include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Paradichlorobenzene is also a potential hazard, although typically less so compared to naphthalene. ... Eating just one mothball containing naphthalene can damage a young child’s red blood cells.... [7]

Exposure to naphthalene promotes hemolytic anemia, associated with fatigue in mild cases and acute kidney failure in severe cases. Poisonings of infants have been reported after dressing the children in clothing stored in naphthalene mothballs.

How to Reduce Indoor Exposure to Mothball Odors, Chemicals, Gases

Fig tree "moths" - central Mexico (C) Daniel Friedman

Avoid unnecessary use of mothballs & moth repellents: When possible, the best approach is to find non chemical approaches to pests, including moths. That includes
- Don't use moth repellents if you don't have a moth problem in the first place. Moth larvae are shiny light colored wormlike organisms about 1/2-inch in length. Adult clothing-eating moths are white
  
  (Image at left, PNW) [19]
  
  Don't blame the innocent. None of the other moth or insect pictures shown in this article are clothing-eating insects.
  
  To check for a moth infestation in your home, and keeping in mind that most moths are not the species that attack fabrics, you can try a pheromone trap to monitor for moth activity.[2] The insects shown in our photo (left) attack our fig plant but not our clothing.
- Avoid importing moths, moth pupae or moth larvae (it's the larvae that eat animal fibers and fabrics) by cleaning used or old clothing that is "new" to your home before storing those materials away
- When storing clothing or other soft goods, especially woolens or other animal fiber materials, use clothing storage containers that are dry and airtight, first to keep moths out, and second, especially if moth repellent products are to be placed therein, to prevent mothball odors from invading other building areas or materials.
- Do not simply place moth repellent products in open boxes in areas such as rooms, closets, garages, or vehicles in an attempt to keep them moth (or mouse, or squirrel) free.
- Cedar closets? cedar fumes are toxic to moths only at high concentrations. Don't trust a cedar closet alone to prevent moth damage, although indeed cedar wood and cedar oils do avoid the mothball hazard and odor issue.[2]
- Dried lavender and cedar fiber balls as moth repellents are not supported by good evidence. [2-Farr]
Wash or dry clean clothing before putting it into storage; clean clothes are less attractive to moths according to some experts. Moth eggs, moth larvae as well as adult moths can all be killed by a hot water wash cycle. Moth eggs, pupae, or even adults may already be present in clothing, including cotton even though which moths are not directly attracted to that material. Dry-clean wool or other animal fiber materials (to which moths are attracted) for the same reason. [2]
Read the mothball package label and closely follow instructions. If you are going to use a moth repellent product like mothballs, read and follow the directions on the product label. keep these products away from children who may be especially vulnerable not only to vapors from mothballs but as something sometimes eaten.
Dispose of unwanted mothballs safely. Most of these chemicals contain VOCs that will vaporize and get into the household air. If you cannot dispose of partially used containers, store outside the living space.
Minimize exposure to moth repellant products. When used, place mothballs, moth repellent cakes or moth crystals in a well-sealed trunk or other container that can be stored in ventilated areas outside of the main living space, such as attics or attached garages.
Minimize exposure to some air fresheners: Paradichlorobenzene is also the active ingredient in many air fresheners and should be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mothball Hazards, Odors, Odor Removal

Question: How can we get rid of an annoying mothball odor in our Condo?

We moved into a condo, which is a concrete block structure 3 months ago. Shortly after the move we began to smell moth balls.

After following the smell we were able to find out that the unit above us displaced several moth balls throughout there unit, tightly sealed the unit up without air conditioning on(we live in Florida) and left for the summer.

As the smell increased in our unit we begged parties involved to rid the unit of the moth balls and air it out.

Finally this was done, however even though the smell appears to be gone sometimes, other times we can still smell a bad odor, sometimes now the odor is less mothball smell and just simply a bad odor.

We have tried everything and are desperate to solve the problem. Is it possible to get rid of this toxic odor?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. - B.P. 9/22/2012

Reply: How to get rid of mothball odors in buildings, contents, clothing, furnishings

Indeed the odor from mothballs is a VOC-like substance (paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene) that quite penetrates many materials including even drywall, furnishings, carpeting, and it can take quite a while for it to diminish. And most people can smell mothballs - the characteristic odor of those chemicals can generally be detected in air at a concentration of just a few parts per billion, so getting rid of mothball odors is going to take some thorough airing out and cleaning.

Airing out the original building area helps, this means opening windows and perhaps even using fans to move a good volume of fresh air through the building area - weather permitting. This is the best and principal means of reducing indoor mothball odors in building spaces themselves, and it will help reduce odors from furnishings and carpets and draperies too.
Find & address the principal odor source: in general, odor removal of any sort in buildings is most effective if we can identify the exact odor source and remove or clean or seal that source. - what materials absorbed the gases, airborne compounds or VOCs from the mothballs - perhaps using our SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors - and then try sealing those surfaces if the smelly materials are not something that can be disposed-of. [2][3][4][5][6]
Turning up the heat in the space where mothball odors persist can help drive volatiles back into building air where in combination with fresh air venting you will reduce mothball odors. For soft goods such as upholstered couches you may speed up the mothball odor removal by using a hair dryer (on low or medium temperature) to heat the upholstered surfaces.
For soft goods such as clothing that has absorbed mothball odors, having the clothes dry-cleaned or laundered, or sometimes simply running washable clothing through the clothes dryer on medium heat will suffice to get rid of the mothball odors.

If that doesn't solve the problem and you need to go further you'd need to track down the principal sources of the odor
Watch out: for mothball odor solutions that are ineffective, are products sold by someone with a conflict of interest, or may in fact make matters worse:
1. Ozone generators for mothball odors???? Do not try using ozone or an indoor ozone generator to get rid of mothball odors. Improperly used you will find you've made a worse problem than before. See OZONE for MOLD OR ODORS for details and for links to articles that describe how over-treatment by ozone can generate new horrible, costly-to-remove odors in buildings.
2. Activated charcoal to "remove" mothball odors ??? In our OPINION the recommendation by some sources to place activated charcoal in the space where the mothball odors are strong is not likely to be useful; air circulation and fresh air are more effective than relying on a passive absorption system that never addresses the source of odors.
3. Air purifiers to remove mothball smells????? In our OPINION, a portable indoor "air purifier" is unlikely to move enough air through a charcoal filter to be effective except in the case perhaps of a very small enclosed space. Unfortunately some key studies we have reviewed tested a portable air "purifier" by placing it into an enclosed chamber with a limited amount of a specific pollutant - not a realistic nor real-world situation. See AIR CLEANER PURIFIER TYPES.
More about odor sources, hazards, & solutions is at ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE.

Questions or comments about this article

Questions & answers or comments about mothball chemicals, hazards, odors, & odor removal.

Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below.

Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

Steve Bliss's Building Advisor at buildingadvisor.com helps homeowners & contractors plan & complete successful building & remodeling projects: buying land, site work, building design, cost estimating, materials & components, & project management through complete construction. Email: info@buildingadvisor.com
Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com

[1] ASTM E2600 - 08 Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions is available from the ASTM at astm.org/Standards/E2600.htm
[2] Arianne Cohen, "When Moths Make a Home in Yours", The New York Times, 28 January 2010. This article cites
Cheryl Ann Farr, a professor of textiles and clothing at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK
Jeffrey Miller, professor of insect ecology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR
[6] Brett C. Singer, Beverly K. Coleman, Hugo Destaillats, Alfred T. Hodgson, Melissa M. Lunden, Charles J. Weschler, William W Nazaroff, "Indoor secondary pollutants from cleaning product and air freshener use in the presence of ozone", Atmospheric Environment, Volume 40, Issue 35, November 2006, Pages 6696–6710
Abstract This study investigated the formation of secondary pollutants resulting from household product use in the presence of ozone. Experiments were conducted in a 50-m3 chamber simulating a residential room. The chamber was operated at conditions relevant to US residences in polluted areas during warm-weather seasons: an air exchange rate of 1.0 h−1 and an inlet ozone concentration of approximately 120 ppb, when included. Three products were used in separate experiments. An orange oil-based degreaser and a pine oil-based general-purpose cleaner were used for surface cleaning applications. A plug-in scented-oil airfreshener (AFR) was operated for several days. Cleaning products were applied realistically with quantities scaled to simulate residential use rates. Concentrations of organic gases and secondary organic aerosol from the terpene-containing consumer products were measured with and without ozone introduction. In the absence of reactive chemicals, the chamber ozone level was approximately 60 ppb. Ozone was substantially consumed following cleaning product use, mainly by homogeneous reaction. For the AFR, ozone consumption was weaker and heterogeneous reaction with sorbed AFR-constituent VOCs was of similar magnitude to homogeneous reaction with continuously emitted constituents. Formaldehyde generation resulted from product use with ozone present, increasing indoor levels by the order of 10 ppb. Cleaning product use in the presence of ozone generated substantial fine particle concentrations (more than 100 μg m−3) in some experiments. Ozone consumption and elevated hydroxyl radical concentrations persisted for 10–12 h following brief cleaning events, indicating that secondary pollutant production can persist for extended periods.
Keywords Air quality; Formaldehyde; Indoor air chemistry; Secondary organic aerosol; Terpenes
[7] Xiaoyu Liu,*† Mark Mason, Kenneth Krebs, and Leslie Sparks, "Full-Scale Chamber Investigation and Simulation of Air Freshener Emissions in the Presence of Ozone:, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2004, 38 (10), pp 2802–2812 DOI: 10.1021/es030544b Publication Date (Web): April 9, 2004,
Abstract: Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from one electrical plug-in type of pine-scented air freshener and their reactions with O3 were investigated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indoor air research large chamber facility. Ozone was generated from a device marketed as an ozone generator air cleaner. Ozone and oxides of nitrogen concentrations and chamber conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and air exchange rate were controlled and/or monitored. VOC emissions and some of the reaction products were identified and quantified. Source emission models were developed to predict the time/concentration profiles of the major VOCs (limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, camphene, benzyl propionate, benzyl alcohol, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, and benzaldehyde) emitted by the air freshener. Gas-phase reactions of VOCs from the air freshener with O3 were simulated by a photochemical kinetics simulation system using VOC reaction mechanisms and rate constants adopted from the literature. The concentration−time predictions were in good agreement with the data for O3 and VOCs emitted from the air freshener and with some of the primary reaction products. Systematic differences between the predictions and the experimental results were found for some species. Poor understanding of secondary reactions and heterogeneous chemistry in the chamber is the likely cause of these differences. The method has the potential to provide data to predict the impact of O3/VOC interactions on indoor air quality.
[8] RI Vanhegan, R.G. Mitchell, "Pseudomonas Infection Associated with Contamination of Wick-Type Air Freshener", British Medical Journal, 20 Sept. 1975, pp. 685 [copy on file as Air_Fresh_Study_BMJ75.pdf]
Though unproved, the bottles may have been directly implicated in cross-infection and they should not be used in intensive care units and similar places. The practice of topping-up existing bottles from a stock solution should be discouraged since the resulting weakened mixture may eventually support the growth of organisms. Since an increase in the formaldehyde concentration proved irritant we recommend the use of safe non-volatile disinfectants. The possibility that organisms may develop resistance to formaldehyde solutions was not further investigated.
[9] Salthammer, T. (ed) (2007) Subject Index, in Organic Indoor Air Pollutants: Occurrence - Measurement - Evaluation, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Germany. doi: 10.1002/9783527613663.indsub
[10] Mihalis Lazaridis (Editor), Ian Colbeck (Editor), Human Exposure to Pollutants via Dermal Absorption and Inhalation (Environmental Pollution), Springer; 1st Edition. edition (April 1, 2010), ISBN-10: 9048186625 ISBN-13: 978-9048186624
Quoting: The human body is exposed to pollution on a daily basis via dermal exposure and inhalation. This book reviews the information necessary to address the steps in exposure assessment relevant to air pollution. The aim is to identify available information including data sources and models, and show that an integrated multi-route exposure model can be built, validated and used as part of an air quality management process. Many epidemiological studies have focused on inhalation exposure. Whilst this is appropriate for many substances, failure to consider the importance of exposure and uptake of material deposited on the skin may lead to an over/underestimation of the risk. Hence dermal exposure is also considered. Drinking water contamination by disinfection by-products is also discussed. Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides a comprehensive review of ambient particulate matter and will be of interest to graduate students, researchers and policymakers involved in air quality management, environmental health and related disciplines, as well as environmental consultants and ventilation engineers.
[14] Thomas M. Riddick, "Controlling Taste, Odor and Color With Free Residual Chlorination", Journal (American Water Works Association) Vol. 43, No. 7 (JULY 1951), pp. 545-552, American Water Works Association, Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41236445
[15] Douglas M. Baker, M.D., "Holiday Hazards", Pediatric Emergency Care, Vol. 1 No. 4, December 1985 Lippincott-Raven, retrieved 9/22/12
Abstract: Presented is a selective review of the toxicities of various plants, decorations, and miscellaneous items popularly used during the holiday season. Particularly hazardous agents include mistletoe, holly, bubble lights, fireplace flame colors, alkaline batteries, and mothballs. Specific questions regarding management of exposure to these items should be referred to regional poison control centers. Avoidance is the most effective treatment. ... [regarding mothballs, ... decontamination is advised for ingestions of greater than one half of a naphthalene mothball and more than two to three paradichlorobenzene mothballs ...]
[16] Charles M. McGinley, P.E., Michael A. McGinley, MHS, Donna L. McGinley, " “Odor Basics”, Understanding and Using Odor Testing", paper presentation, The 22nd Annual Hawaii Water Environment Association Conference.,
Honolulu, Hawaii: 6-7 June 2000, St. Croix Sensory Inc. / McGinley Associates, P.A. 13701 - 30th Street Circle North Stillwater, MN 55082 U.S.A. 800-879-9231 stcroix@fivesenses.com, retrieved 9/22/12, original source http://www.fivesenses.com/Documents/Library/33%20 %20Odor%20Basics.pdf, [copy on file as Odor_Basics.pdf]
[17] Jon H. Ruth, "Odor Thresholds and Irritation Levels of Several Chemical Substances: A Review", American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal Volume 47, Issue 3, 1986, retrievedf 9/22/12, Abstract: A collation of odor threshold data for approximately 450 chemical substances is presented. The range of odor thresholds reported in the literature is shown along with any reported threshold of irritation to humans. These data can assist the industrial hygienist in determining when an “odor” may be in excess of the Threshold Limit Value®, when an organic vapor respirator is not acceptable due to the lack of an odor warning at the end of a cartridge life, and where odors may not indicate a hazard due to extremely low odor thresholds which may be well below the respective TLVs.
[18] Edward Avila DO, Paul Schraeder MD, Ajit Belliappa MD, Scott Faro MD, "Pica With Paradichlorobenzene Mothball Ingestion Associated With Toxic Leukoencephalopathy", Journal of Neuroimaging Volume 16, Issue 1, pages 78–81, January 2006, retrieved 9/22/12,
Abstract: This is a case report of central nervous system toxicity associated with paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) ingestion. The patient had ingested mothballs composed of 99.99% PDCB for a period of 7 months. She was admitted for depression and had no neurologic symptoms. Later she developed an acute cerebellar syndrome followed by stupor and coma. An extensive workup was negative except for decreasing levels of PDCB in her serum. Imaging revealed a diffuse leukoencephalopathy. Her clinical picture was attributed to PDCB toxicity.
[19] Stone, David L. (David Louis), Stock, T. (Tim), "Mothballs: proper use and alternative controls for clothes moths", PNW 606-E, May 2008, Oregon State University. Extension Service Washington State University. Extension University of Idaho. Extension, May, 2008, retrieved 9/22/12, original source: http://scholarsarchive.library.oregonstate.edu/ xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20800/pnw606-e.pdf?sequence=1, citation: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/20800, Abstract: In some homes, clothes moths can damage garments and other belongings. There are two common species of clothes moths in the Pacific Northwest: the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). The larvae, or immature form, of the moths are responsible for the damage done to personal belongings. [copy on file as Mothballs_Guide_PNW.pdf]
Citing the following 2 sources on mothball chemistry, use, hazards:
[20] Black, Judy. Fabric and Museum Pests. In Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, 9th edition, S.A. Hedges and D. Moreland, eds. GIE Media, Cleveland, OH, 2004, pp. 581 –623.
[21 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Illness Associated with Exposure to Naphthalene in Mothballs—Indiana. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1983, Vol. 32: 34–5.
Wikipedia provided background information about some topics discussed at this website provided this citation is also found in the same article along with a " retrieved on" date. NOTE: because Wikipedia entries are fluid and can be amended in real time, we cite the retrieval date of Wikipedia citations and we do not assert that the information found there is necessarily authoritative.
Mothballs, retrieved 2/22/12
...

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd


	InspectAPedia^®	InspectAPedia
	Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair	Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia