It turns out that my olfactory dissatisfaction was right on the nose. Some ingredients in mothballs have been proven to be deadly. Recently a baby’s death was attributed to mothballs, as were two instances of brain damage. The ingredient, naphthalene, causes damage to red blood cells. The other active ingredient often found in moth balls, paradichlorobenzene, is also considered toxic.
Though I’m left wondering why we’re only just now discovering this, I’m joining in with the rest of the moms of the world and asking for an immediate ban of this chemical when mothballs are produced. Not only are these chemicals dangerous to our kids—they also seep into our clothing and can cause problems for us, including eye irritation, nausea, bladder problems, dizziness, and other symptoms. Some even say that moth balls are among the most toxic things in our homes; you have to wonder how they’re even allowed on the market in the first place.
Of course, in the meantime, can’t we all sacrifice a few moth holes in our clothing and stop using them to ensure the safety of our kids? I think one vastly outweighs the other in its level of importance for sure. There are plenty of alternatives we can use, as well, such as:
- Cedar chips or blocks, which will also make your closet smell woodsy and amazing
- · Lavender, which some people love and claim has a calming effect (though it makes me sick, since I associate it with being very ill once back in high school)
- · Making your own homemade moth balls with lavender or cedar oil and fabric
- · Use dried rosemary for a decidedly herby scent
- · Use mint, cloves, and ginseng—which may sound like a power drink but apparently is a great moth repellent
Using proper clothing care can also help diminish moth damage. Be sure to thoroughly clean and air out clothing before storing it, and use airtight storage containers if you can. If you end up seeing moths, put the clothing in a freezer for 48 hours to get rid of them. (We do the same thing with our daughter’s stuffed animals every few months.)