Mothballs are a pesticide and their ingredients can be harmful to humans and pets. If mothballs are ingested or inhaled, there is a danger of serious illness. Some effects are obvious at once, while others can take longer to develop.
Instructions
1. Try to determine whether a person or pet has been in contact with mothballs. If you suspect that a child or pet has eaten mothballs, do not wait for symptoms. Seek medical help immediately.
2. Watch for signs of eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, respiratory problems, vertigo, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting and/or fatigue.
3. Look for convulsions within an hour of when mothballs are ingested.
4. Investigate any liver or kidney problems, or be suspicious if hemolytic anemia develops.
5. Call the national Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222, or a local center, if you suspect mothball poisoning.
6. Keep in mind that long-term exposure to mothball vapors can cause adverse effects. If an elderly person or her house reeks of mothballs, warn her of the risks of mothball poisoning.
Tags: mothball poisoning, mothballs ingested