Naphthalene is a white solid substance with a strong smell. Poisoning from naphthalene destroys or changes red blood cells so they cannot carry oxygen.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Naphthalene

• Moth repellent
• Toilet bowl deodorizers

Stomach problems may occur a day after exposure to the poison. They include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

The patient may also have a fever. Over time, the following additional symptoms may occur:

• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure
• Low urine output (may stop completely)
• Pain when urinating (may be blood in the urine)
• Shortness of breath
• Yellowing of skin (jaundice)

NOTE: Persons with a condition called glucose-6-phosphate deficiency are more vulnerable to the effects of napthalene.