Naphthalene
Definition
Naphthalene is a white solid substance with a strong smell. Poisoning from naphthalene damages red blood cells.
Alternative Names
Moth balls; Moth flakes; Camphor tar
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
- Moth repellent
- Toilet bowl deodorizers
Symptoms
Stomach problems may occur a day after exposure to the poison. They include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
The patient may also have a fever. Over time, the following additional symptoms may occur:
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- the patient's age, weight, and condition
- name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
- the time it was swallowed
- the amount swallowed
Poison Control
If you suspect possible poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Call 1-800-222-1222 anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The patient will be given medications to treat the symptoms and may be forced to vomit. A procedure called gastric lavage may also be performed.
Outlook (Prognosis)
If the patient has convulsions and coma, the outlook for recovery is not good. Those who do recover take several weeks or longer to overcome some of the toxic effects.
References
Roberts JR, Hedges JR. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th Ed.Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2004;749-766.
Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st Ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2001.
Review Date:
8/8/2005
Reviewed By:
William D. Whetstone M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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