Naphthalene
Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary
Naphthalene is a other — Coal-tar derivative used in mothballs and various industrial products
What it does
Coal-tar derivative used in mothballs and various industrial products
Where you'll see it
trace contamination in some foods; mothballs; some clothing/blankets
What the research says
Can damage red blood cells (children who eat naphthalene mothballs damage their red blood cells). Animal studies showed cataracts in rabbits, reduced litters in pregnant mice, death in mice, increased liver weight in rats. Exposure causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine. One of seven high-quantity chemicals on EPA's high-priority hazardous substance list.
Regulatory status
- Notes: EPA high-priority hazardous substance list
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Naphthalene is one of seven high-quantity chemicals on the EPA's high-priority hazardous substance list