Moth Balls (Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene)
The National Pesticide Information Center takes several calls every year concerning the use of moth balls. In response to several inquiries about the proper use and potential health effects of moth balls, NPIC presents this collection of science-based articles, fact-sheets and resources. Our goal is to promote informed decision-making based on sound science.
Mothballs are pesticides that come in a solid form then volatilize slowly into a gas. Mothballs produced in the U.S. contain one of two active ingredients: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
The information below is an extensive and carefully researched, but not necessarily comprehensive, list of resources on the subject. The topic headings were chosen because they were the areas that generated the most interest by people who contacted NPIC.
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (seven days per week, 6:30am-4:30pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Regulation
Naphthalene
Environmental Protection Agency
Center for Disease Control, NIOSH
California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
- Proposition 65
- No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) For The Proposition 65 Carcinogen Naphthalene
- California OSHA
Rhode Island Dept. Of Environmental Management
Paradichlorobenzene
Environmental Protection Agency
- IRIS: Notice of the External Peer Review Panel Meeting on the Toxicological Review for 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
- Substance Registry System
- Technical Factsheet
- Ground and Drinking Water
- Pesticide Reregistration Performance Measures and Goals
