Naphthalene

Alternative names

Moth balls; Moth flakes; Camphor tar

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of naphthalene.

Poisonous Ingredient

Naphthalene

Where Found

• Moth repellent
  
• Toilet bowl deodorizers
  

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  o Pain when urinating
  o Low urine output (may stop completely)
  o Hematuria (blood in the urine)
  o Convulsions
  
• Respiratory
  o Shortness of breath
  
• Cardiovascular
  o Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  o Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Yellow eyes
  
• Skin
  o Yellow skin
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Abdominal pain
  o Nausea or vomiting
  o Diarrhea
  
• Nervous system
  o Headache
  o Drowsiness
  o Confusion
  o Coma
  

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis
  
• Use gastric lavage
  
• Treat the symptoms
  

Expectations (prognosis)
If there is a rapid deterioration of the patient's condition, progressing to convulsions and coma, the outlook for recovery is grim. If recovery occurs, it may take several weeks or longer to overcome some of the toxic effects.