Mothballs

The usage of Mothballs in our society is not necessary as they are an environmental hazard, they are toxic to humans and there are many easily accessible alternatives. Mothballs used to be produced of naphthalene but now consist of 1,4-dichlorobenzene. This has a chemical formula of C6H4Cl2, as seen in figure one they have a benzene ring with chlorine molecules attached on opposing sides of it, because they contain a benzene ring they produce a strong odor. The fumes that are emitted are toxic to moths and moth larvae, this is why they are used to store clothing as moths aren’t able to live in them and destroy them. Fumes from the 1,4-dichlorobenzene are also not healthy to humans, prolonged exposure to the fumes can lead to Kidney and Liver damage, sweaters stored with mothballs should be aired out for at least a day before wearing to allow the fumes to wear off.

They are also used a recreational drug by some teens. Recently in France twin sisters were both checked into hospital with scaly skin, unsteadiness and mental sluggishness. They had been inhaling mothball fumes out of a plastic bag and eating the mothballs.

Mothballs are an environmental hazard as they do not biodegrade and should be disposed of as hazardous waste, this does not generally happen and they end up sitting in landfills and leaching into the water table. There are green alternatives which do not cause harm to humans, or the environment and are just as effective as mothballs. Using cedar pieces works well and can be bought easily as hamster bedding, also dried lemon peel, lavender, mint, or cloves work well in preventing moths from destroying clothing.

Due to the negative health and environmental affects that mothballs have they should be phased out of usage in our society and alternatives should be used instead.