I have a question about mothballs?

Question

I put an outfit on my son. I recieved it as a gift from a family friend. I washed it, then stored it because it was too big... I went to put it on him tonight, and it smelt weird.. My father said it smelt kinda like stuff you put on clothes to deture moths.. He wasnt in it very long, maybe 15-20 minutes max. Has he been exposed to something that could harm him?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I doubt that was long enough to cause any harm.  But to be safe, bathe him immediately.  Even if you already have.

Mothballs are poisonous.  Their primary ingredient is a substance called naphthalene.  Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene (whether ingested or inhaled) can cause damage to the red blood cells, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

Please be sure to keep mothballs away from anything your children could come in contact with.  They are especially poisonous to babies, elderly people, and pets.  It is best to not even have them in the house.  

Such a short time probably doesn't warrant an emergency room visit unless the starts showing symptoms.  Watch him for diarrhea and vomiting tonight, since those are the first signs of naphthalene poisoning.  Call your pediatrician in the morning and ask if that was long enough to cause any harm.  He/she may want you to bring him in for blood testing.

andi_sue_storm · Answer

I really doubt it. I would just make sure to give him a bath as soon as possible. Keep a watch on him for the rest of the evening. If he develops a rash or trouble breathing, then I would call a Dr. Good Luck!

5kidsdad · Answer

you should bathe him again with soap and shampooa nd call your doctor for more info

sekh_th · Answer

call your babies pediatrician....we are not doctors...i bet is nothing, but you better make sure. :)

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I have a question about mothballs?

4 Answers