In 2008, the European Union banned the sale of mothballs due to the fact that they contain a volatile chemical, naphthalene, which gives them their recognisable smell. In the U.S and other parts of the world, the compound is still widely used in mothballs. It’s even classified as a possible human carcinogen. A new group of Australian and New Zealand has found that naphthalene should be banned because of the damage it can cause to babies’ health, namely brain damage. Previous studies have found classic mothball chemicals could be very harmful to the health of adults, children and pets because of the exposure to gas vapours. The immediate risk to some peoples’ health is even greater, with nontoxic alternatives becoming more popular. Australian researchers believe that around five per cent of people of Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and babies with this condition who are exposed to mothballs could suffer from profound brain damage. It could even be fatal.
Nobody wants to find that their stored winter clothing has been chewed through by moth larvae, but opting to use mothballs isn’t the safe alternative to a damaged wardrobe. While the mothball chemical association with brain damage in children is alarming, the volatile nature of common mothball chemicals means that it’s in everyone’s interest to avoid using them. When you smell mothballs, you are immediately inhaling the insecticide. These balls are only meant to be used in an airtight area, in order to limit the exposure animals and people suffer. But most people don’t use the product correctly, so they pose a health risk. There are ways to avoid damage to your clothes without putting you and your family at risk of toxic chemical inhalation.
To begin with, clean clothes correctly. Clothing moths are more likely to feast on clothing made of animal fibres, such as wool, as well as on hair, dust and stains in unwashed clothes. Because of this, washing your clothes correctly before you store them will help to save their quality. Vacuuming regularly will cut down on the risk of moths and other pests thriving in your home, so pay particular attention to skirting boards and air ducts. Plant-based moth deterrents are far safer for your health than mothballs, so opt for lavender and sandalwood to keep the bugs away. Fill a cotton tea bag or an old handkerchief with cloves, tansy or sweet woodruff, as this is also popular for preventing moths. Some people put mothballs in the garden to prevent insects, snakes and other animals. However, it can also contaminate the soil and water, possible even poisoning beneficial insects. You should also know how to deal with a moth infestation in your home, should you be unlucky enough to develop one. Clothing moths feed on lint, pet hair and human hair, so remove this from your clothing to limit the spread of larvae feeding on it. You can also freeze infested clothing, although this may not be practical for anyone. Generally, keeping your home vacuumed and clean will help to avoid moths from laying larvae in wardrobes and clothing. You may wish to take your clothes out of storage every few weeks and give them a shake to air them and disrupt moths from laying eggs there. When you do this, vacuum and dust the storage area to remove any dust or hair from the space.
