Mothball breath is named that because your breath will have a musty, benzene-like smell to it that is often related to mothballs. For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avVP4. Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and a yellow color to the skin. "When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide," the center's website warns. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Ultimately, skip the nuts and replace them with any kind of dog treats. In the past, mothballs were made from plant-based camphor and, later, naphthalene, a derivative of coal tar. So, if you're going to give your dog apples, core the apples. Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. Bracken fern. Sago Palm. Safe: Some Fresh Fruits. Common milkweed. While occupational exposure, like working in a mothball factory, may pose a risk, the fumes from a box of open mothballs in the bedroom closet won’t hurt you. Lantana. Peppermint oil. Cyclamen. So far the majority of toxicosis reports have been in dogs. Oleander. Eating mothballs, however, does pose more risk, so keep mothballs away from children and pets. Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may damage or destroy red blood cells. “Nuts in general have a high fat content, so even if they are not toxic, they can still cause an upset stomach in some dogs,” says Hughes. Locoweed. If your dog has ingested pine needles, he may vomit them up or have mild diarrhea. Mothball poisoning and toxicity can happen due to the naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene chemicals inside of it. Toxic nature and damage from use: Older mothballs consisted primarily of naphthalene, but due to naphthalene's flammability, many modern mothball formulations instead use 1,4 … We survived breathing it in as it offgassed from all our furniture/bedding for about a week until the smell wore off and we could air our stuff. what can i do? Naphthalene mothballs, or old-fashioned mothballs, are considered the most toxic type of mothball. Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may damage or destroy some of your red blood cells. An estimated 396 g of naphthalene balls can raise the indoor concentration of the toxic fumes to 200 micrograms/cubic meter over one year. "Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said. A few weeks ago, pediatricians in Australia called for a ban on a common ingredient in mothballs after it was linked to one baby’s death and brain damage in two others. So should you breathe this air filled with contaminants, the health risks increase multifold. Shake the clothes out or brush them before putting them back in the drawer or on the hanger. Dieffenbachia. All grape varieties have been implicated. Breathing in the fumes over a period of time can cause poisoning, too. Mothballs are commonly made of naphthalene or para-dichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic to humans. But first, read this article to find out what moth balls are made of and whether they are harmful to your health. As with full-sized apples, the stems, leaves and seeds of crab apples contain cyanogenic glycosides, or cyanide -- toxic to puppies and dogs. Persimmons, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries. Citrus oil (including lemon oil) Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) Pine oil. When you smell mothballs… Don't share canned or preserved peaches with your dog. The Japanese rubber plant (Crassula arborescens), also known as the jade plant, jade tree or Chinese rubber plant, can cause vomiting, depression and -- in some cases -- slower heart rates. Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. These two chemicals are also available as flakes, cakes, and crystals, in addition to mothballs. Humans can eat lemons, but man's best friend should stay away from lemon trees: They contain essential oils that are toxic to dogs. Just about monthly we get reports of new items that are toxic to our pets. "Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air," Stone said. i called the health inspector and he wasn't aware of dangers. Pine. It was horrible. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. (One part per billion is about several drops of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool.). It's important to know what foods are toxic to dogs and avoid them. This is the problem. Some, like benzopyrene, are carcinogenic. Cultivated plants. An estimated 396 g of naphthalene balls can raise the indoor concentration of the toxic fumes to 200 micrograms/cubic meter over one year. Cherry pits. The Tumbler candles are made from a blend of aforementioned paraffin wax and soy wax. These chemicals are most likely to enter your body through the air you breath into your lungs. However, the remaining 1 percent can be fatal if ingested by a dog or cat. Azalea. If your dog suffers from digestive issues, dandelion may be a great herb to consider. Are Mothballs Toxic To Breathe? Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine — a bit like caffeine — that's poisonous to dogs. The mothball can even be toxic if your dog doesn’t ingest it as it has very strong fumes. Ten Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs Autumn Crocus. Celosia. The effects of naphthalene poisoning are particularly severe in infants and young children. Don't use mothballs as air fresheners or in home remedies. Tree needles also can obstruct or puncture her gastrointestinal tract. Walnut should be no problem to burn. i have headaches. Obviously, you should NOT feed your dog the peel of the banana. Toxicity most commonly occurs when cats or dogs ingest mothballs. Here are some tips from the Oregon State University Extension Services: And, remember to warn family and other caregivers about the risks of mothballs. "Ingestion of naphthalene mothballs can cause anemia, lethargy, vomiting, and sometimes kidney or liver damage." Pesticides that are found in mothballs can be potentially hazardous to human health upon exposure. As far as we know, most herbs—your rosemary, thyme, basil and dill—are safe for cats and dogs, but there is one that frequently colors a person's garden that can cause a sometimes severe—and definitely strange— illness. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people. But, like any food that's not a regular part of his diet, peaches can cause some stomach upset, most commonly temporary diarrhea. Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. While chili peppers aren't toxic to dogs, they do contain a compound called capsaicin that acts as an irritant to dogs. Cyanide-producing trees such as cherry, chokecherry, elderberry, and plum (especially the wilted leaves from these trees) Ponderosa pine. In the incidents in Australia, babies were wrapped in blankets that had been stored with mothballs. Mothballs are also used to repel snakes, mice, and other animals, though this use is not recommended and can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment. Sweet birch. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. While not toxic, almonds are not easily digested can give your dog an upset stomach and create gastric intestinal distress. Like most fruits, bananas contain sugar, which can be problematic for dogs in high amounts and lead to gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and diabetes. Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Grapes and raisins are known to be highly toxic to dogs, though research has yet to pinpoint exactly which substance in the fruit causes this reaction. Jalapenos aren't lethal or toxic for canines, but that doesn't make it appropriate. Xylitol. Some symptoms of hemolytic anemia are fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness, and pale skin. Grandma might think it would be sweet to wrap their new grandbaby in a family heirloom that’s been in storage for decades — but make sure it’s properly cleaned first! Cinnamon oil. Chocolate. Blueberries are rich in various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibers etc with many health benefits. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Rhododendron. Because of the smell it's unlikely that anything would ingest them, however, I'm paranoid. If your grandmother, aunt or elderly neighbor whose house reeks of mothballs, they are living in a toxic … This could cause allergies. Alcohol (ethanol) is highly toxic to dogs. Breathing in a mothball laden environment causes a wide range of irreversible health issues. The problem is that mothballs slowly change to a gas when they are exposed to air. Citrus. As we discussed previously, when mothballs are improperly used and are not placed within an airtight, sealed container, the mothball chemicals will … Breathing in the fumes over a period of time can cause poisoning. Both of these chemicals are toxic fumigants (which means they volatilize into the air) and must be present in high concentrations to be effective. Foxglove. Macadamia nuts. Moth balls are extremely toxic to pets and children, and should be avoided in houses trying to keep their surroundings green. Grapes, raisins, and currants. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that the only species of mint, in the genus Mentha, that is toxic to dogs is English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. Other berries that dogs can safely eat are strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Since dogs don't have stomach issues eating blueberries, they can be used as a healthy dog treat, both fresh and frozen. Mothballs are pesticides intended to kill clothes moths and other fabric pests. So many are absolutely convinced that mothballs are the answer to almost every pest control situation and are even less concerned about any hazards. They are an ideal choice for dogs with chronic indigestion or those with gas. 7. While tiny amounts of these foods in some pets, especially dogs, may be safe, large amounts can be very toxic. Oleander. Mothballs are small balls of chemical pesticide and deodorant, sometimes used when storing clothing and other articles susceptible to damage from mold or moth larvae (especially clothes moths like Tineola bisselliella. . How do I protect my leather couch from pets? Daffodils. Babies are most vulnerable because they can receive the highest exposure and they are less able to clear toxic naphthalene byproducts formed in blood. But generally, there is very little toxicity linked to this kind of mothball. Raisins are very toxic to dogs, and even a few can cause problems for small dog breeds. Rethink storing mothballs in the house. It is illegal in the US to use mothballs in a manner inconsistent with the package labeling. national-maids. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Grapes and Raisins. Mothballs are very odorous and inhalation of the fumes is toxic Ingestion of mothballs can occur when a pet finds them in a garden or in an area where they have been left exposed Mothballs are designed to be used in closed containers or bags containing clothing in order to repel moths, and are not meant as a rodent, snake or wildlife repellent However, there are a couple of things to be cautious about: the seeds and too many apples. To make sure that the Bouqs that is brightening up your home is safe, here's a list of flowers that are non-toxic to dogs: Orchids. Whether you are getting your winter clothes ready for upcoming cold weather or storing boxes of mothballs, there are some safety tips to prevent family members and pets from being poisoned. Caffeine. If a pet eats a mothball made of paradichlorobenzene, they may have vomiting, tremors, and/or abdominal pain. Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. As the Naphthaline slowly dissolves into a gas it does create a mild toxin. When swallowed, it kills red blood cells, which tires the body out and makes it weak and fatigued. Oleander. Ingestion of tree needles can be irritating the mouth and stomach, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Both of these chemicals are highly toxic and can get into the soil and groundwater. elephant's ear. The peels aren't toxic, but they are hard to digest. Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Toxic Rubber Trees. Sago Palm. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Lilies. But when we moved to this country (UK), all our stuff coming over in a container was packed with mothballs. These chemicals are solids at room temperature and are made into round balls, flakes or cakes that slowly change to a gas and become fumes in the air. Children have been poisoned by wearing wool clothing stored with naphthalene mothballs, although this is rare. In dogs, the most common essential oil toxicities that we see are to Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil, Pennyroyal, Oil of Wintergreen, and Pine Oils. Citrus Peels. Jasmine. This remains one of the biggest unknowns when it comes to poisonous human foods for dogs. Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Azalea. Mushrooms. Modern PDB mothballs are less toxic but still can cause illness, especially when ingested. The Tomato Plant. Yew. Mothballs are solid at room temperature and are made into flakes, round balls or cakes. Azalea. Mothballs are deeply ingrained in garden folklore as an extremely effective pest repellent in the garden and within structures. Onions, garlic, and chives. Onions are not an exception. Mothballs in gardens also present a risk if you breathe the fumes or get the chemicals on your skin or in your eyes. Essential oils dangerous for dogs Tea tree. Beans: Raw or Dried. Several safe alternatives exist to the use of mothballs, including cedar blocks or Garlic. Kalanchoe. Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. The fumes from these mothballs can irritate eyes or airways if exposure is high. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. Vacuum out drawers and closets using a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Like those others, blackberries are loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals in your dog, and also have plenty of fiber and vitamins, too. They love to run and chase things including insects, which in some cases protect themselves by stinging the dog. Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well-sealed container, never in an open closet or plastic garbage bag, according to the authors. Are tires toxic to breathe? So should you breathe this air packed with contaminants, the health risks increase multifold. If your dog eats too many chili peppers, he can experience various digestive issues. Corn plant (also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree or ribbon plant) is toxic to dogs and cats. Mint species, including wild mint, spearmint and peppermint, are nontoxic to dogs, according to the Continental Kennel Club. They are not digestible and can be mildly toxic depending upon your dog's size and how much she ingests. Tylenol) Antidepressants (e.g. The tomato plant is also known as the Lycopersicon spp. Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. Are moth balls toxic to breathe? Are Mothballs Toxic To Breathe. The green parts of the plant, including the leaves and stems, contain ingredients called glycoalkaloids, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Paradichlorobenzene may also cause kidney and liver damage in pets.The World Health Organization (WHO) considers paradichlorobenzene possibly carcinogenic to humans based on studies with mice. While all parts of the plant can be toxic, the leaves of sago palms can cause severe kidney and liver damage, even death, to dogs if ingested. Are mothballs toxic? Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. Clinical signs of poppy or opioid poisoning include inappetance, crying, pinpoint pupils (dogs), dilated pupils (cats), or staring off into space. Seeds are also severely toxic. Tea tree (melaleuca) Wintergreen. Usually it's such a small amount that you don't need to worry, but it's still a good idea to avoid some toxic products while you're pregnant. Onions and Garlic. Although the FDA has determined moth balls to be safe for general use, the inhalation of a moth ball or its fumes can cause serious health problems. Occupational exposure can often offer a glimpse into toxic effects of chemicals, but in the case of the tire industry, there are no significant studies, although one small study did suggest an increased risk of heart disease among workers who process tire chemicals. Kalanchoe. Apricot pits. Autumn Crocus. There are some plants and flowers listed below that are non-toxic to dogs but can have seriously adverse reactions to cats. Trees. When people place mothballs outside in an attempt to discourage animals they are exposing themselves, children and pets to possibly fatal reactions. Do not store baby clothes in mothballs. But, the Spider Plant attracts cats in part because it is mildly hallucinogenic. Why are mothballs toxic to cats? Why are mothballs toxic to cats? It has been found that the different chemicals that are used within mothballs can be potentially toxic to humans and even pets that occupy this environment where the pesticides are implemented into. Humans, particularly children, have developed this condition, known as hemolytic anemia, after ingesting or inhalating mothballs… Blogs are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. First of all, mothballs are not all the same. Insects. What if you breathe Naphthalene in? Mothballs may look all cute and harmless — just like white, smelly marbles — but they're really little chunks of dangerous pesticide. To protect these garments from clothes moths, first clean all of the clothing according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta). The myth that mothballs are safe little white marbles and Ok to walk over and around everyday-the myth that mothballs are not pesticides. he scent of toxic moth poisons containing the fumigants naphthalene or p-dichlorobenzene is a familiar spring me smell in closets, chests, and clothes storage areas. Tulip. Dogs should not eat the seeds or the skin of the kiwi, as the skin may be a choking hazard and the seeds are toxic. Ways Bananas Are Bad For Dogs. you are completely fine. To help you on that last one, here is a list of some of the most common poisonous plants to dogs. In fact, the odor of mothballs can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air. autumn crocus* azalea* baby's breath. Fireworks contain hazardous chemicals such as potassium nitrate, which is an oxidizing agent. What human medications are toxic to dogs? These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. Because naphthalene is highly flammable, mothballs are also fashioned from the synthetic chemical paradichlorobenzene, which has an unpleasant smell but is cheaper to make. Although toxic, the young leaves are palatable. If you have mothballs in your home, you need to know what makes them toxic and what to do if your pet comes into contact with them. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Some curious pets like to drink out of glasses, so keep wine and other alcoholic beverages inaccessible. Mothballs can seriously impair indoor air quality. What if you breathe Naphthalene in? Poppy. Apple seeds. While cedar chips or balls smell wonderful, they do nothing to repel clothes moths. Many vines are toxic to people and pets, causing symptoms ranging from minor digestive upset to heart palpitations or seizures. Anonymous. Dried Corn. Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets NSAIDs (e.g. It's a pretty well-known fact that chocolate is harmful to dogs. 4. Mothballs consisted primarily of naphthalene. Naphthalene is made from crude oil or coal tar. While fresh pineapple is great for your dog, pineapple leaves are not – they're difficult for your dog's digestive system to properly process, and can be toxic to dogs. Poke weed. They are both suspected of causing cancer. Did you know that when you smell mothballs you are actually inhaling the pesticides? Amazon, Amazon Prime, the Amazon logo and Amazon Prime logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The myth I’m exposing is one you’ve probably never thought of consciously or passed off with little concern. Composition. I don’t think it is good to breathe in mothballs. Daffodil. While there are no records indicating canine poisoning from California poppies, opinions differ regarding their potential danger to dogs. more toxic ingredient as it causes red blood cells to break apart, a condition known as hemolytic anemia. Often times we associate this smell with storage or stored away items, and why is this? Moth balls contain a highly toxic substance called naphthalene. Pine needles are not particularly toxic, and a large number of them would need to be ingested, which is unlikely, before toxicity would be a concern for your pet. The fact is that mothballs are toxic to humans and animals. For one thing, dogs don't enjoy the taste of sour citrus fruits like lemons and limes. Then place the clean clothing in airtight containers. 5 years ago. The candles at Yankee Candle is non-toxic and safe for use. Breathing in the fumes over a period of time can cause poisoning. Avocado. Mothballs are small balls of chemical pesticide and deodorant, sometimes used when storing clothing and other articles susceptible to damage from mold or moth larvae (especially clothes moths like Tineola bisselliella). Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed … Chives belong to the Allium family (which also includes onion, garlic, and leeks) and are poisonous to dogs and cats. Potato. Yeast dough. Symptoms of exposure to naphthalene include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. The best way to protect your at-risk (animal-fiber) clothing from clothes moths is by keeping moths out. Many people put mothballs in their sink and urinals. Did you know that when you smell mothballs you are actually inhaling the pesticides? Hops. Still the lure of a wonder product that has the reputation of chasing away pests and is not some sort of toxic spray must be comforting to some people. While the pulp of the fruit is safe for dogs to eat, the plant and pit are moderately toxic to our dogs, and can result in respiratory failure and death. No. Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough. Mothballs are TOXIC to horses, humans, dogs, cats, etc. Toxic Squishies. Because cats are more likely to play with the plant, they're more likely to eat it and, therefore, suffer from an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. Although the FDA has determined moth balls to be safe for general use, the inhalation of a moth ball or its fumes can cause serious health problems. I don't want to … If your place can be a frequently visited by mice or rats, they may leave their wastes around the ducts, which can be inhaled when air blows through them. Dieffenbachia. Mothballs usually contain either dicholorobenzene or naphthalene to kill the moths. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. Lint and hair that have been undisturbed for a long time are prime breeding grounds for clothes moths. Take out any seeds first. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. Kalanchoe. Yes, mothballs are toxic to dogs and other household pets. It is used as an insecticide and pest repellent. Older mothballs consisted primarily of naphthalene, but due to naphthalene's flammability, many modern mothball formulations instead use 1,4-dichlorobenzene.The latter formulation may be somewhat less flammable, although both chemicals have the same NFPA 704 rating for flammability. Essential Oils Potentially Toxic to Cats Wintergreen oil. Stay away from cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries. Green bananas inhibit starch-digesting enzymes. Although the amount is most concentrated in the fruit, the roots contain some of the toxic essential oils as well. In a word yes, mothballs release a toxic gas that is mild to us but deadly to bugs and the smell does repel some animals and reptiles.