what chemical is in mothballs

Best answer


Mothballs are commonly made ofnaphthalene or para-dichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic to humans. 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.

People also ask


  • What is the active ingredient in mothballs?

  • Mothballs in the U.S. contain high concentrations of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both active ingredients are solid chemicals that slowly become fumes at room temperature. The fumes kill clothes moths when trapped inside sealed containers.

  • Do mothballs kill moths?

  • Chemical Properties and Environmental Fate of Mothballs Mothballs in the U.S. contain high concentrations of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both active ingredients are solid chemicals that slowly become fumes at room temperature. The fumes kill clothes moths when trapped inside sealed containers.

  • What if I Have Questions about the chemicals in mothballs?

  • If you have questions about the chemicals in mothballs, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am – 12:00pm PST), or email at [email protected]

  • What are moth balls used for in the House?

  • These balls can also be used to remove any animals from your house, for example cockroaches, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and some other animals. Moth balls contain naphthalene that can be harmful for these animals.

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