What Are the Dangers of Moth Balls?
Moth balls, designed to ward off moths in areas where they can cause damage, are dangerous to animals when ingested as they contain two toxins, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene. When your pet is exposed to moth balls containing either of these two toxins, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
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Napthalene
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Napthalene is a toxin that is also found in moth crystals, moth cakes and toilet bowl deodorizers. Napthalene is approximately twice as toxic as paradichlorobenzene. In many moth ball products, the use of napthalene is being replaced in favor of paradichlorobenzene, but both are toxic substances capable of being harmful to animals.
Paradichlorobenzene
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Paradichlorobenzene--typically found in diaper pails, restroom deodorizers and moth crystals and cakes--is a type of organochloride insecticide that causes harm to animals. Ingestion of paradichlorobenzene can cause central nervous excitement, seizures and liver damage.
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Moth Ball Toxicity Signs
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Signs and symptoms of moth ball toxicity in dogs or cats include vomiting and seizures. The animal may have the odor of mothballs around the mouth or in the breath and vomit. Heinz body anemia, a type of anemia affecting inclusions in the red blood cells, will cause an increase in heart rate and pallor. If methemoglobinemia occurs, the gums will turn blue or brown. If liver damage is sustained or liver inflammation occurs, loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting and icterus or jaundice may occur.
Taking Action
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Upon suspecting moth ball toxicity in a pet, do not induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately. If the pet arrives within 30 to 60 minutes following ingestion of the moth ball, the vet may perform gastric lavage, a stomach pumping or gastric irrigation technique. The vet may administer activated charcoal.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for moth ball toxicity depends on the toxin involved and the amount ingested. The animal needs to be monitored and properly treated for liver disease, anemia, methemoglobinemia and seizures.
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References
- Photo Credit Creative Commons
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Comments
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bugs have a very small brain but are smart enough to stay away from harmful things...Humans should do as bugs do until they get smarter then them...both moth balls and cedar are toxic...if bugs are eating your cloths then your on a path to clean air...
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I think I am poisoned :-(
