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A 21-year-old male asked:

I left the wardrobe door open while i slept in my bedroom...can the smell of naphtalene harm me or my brain?

2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Harold Mandel
Dr. Harold Mandelanswered
General Practice 40 years experience
Possible poisoning!: When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling naphthalene. People have developed headaches, nausea, dizziness, &/or vomiting after they're exposed to naphthalene vapors. Hemolytic anemia & cancer may occur from naphthalene poisoning. If you suspect poisoning call the National Poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in an emergency. Go online to https://www.aapcc.org/ for more guidance.
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127 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Dr. Frank Kuitems
Dr. Stuart Hickerson
Dr. Frank Kuitems and another doctor agree2 doctors agree
1 comment
Dr. Harold Mandel
Dr. Harold Mandel commented
General Practice 42 years experience
Provided original answer
In the absence of an emergency I suggest a routine general medical exam as soon as possible to be on the safe side. I wish you well with your health!
Nov 3, 2019
Dr. Robert Kwok
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
No, but it's the...: It's the amount of naphthalene that gets into a person's body that can be toxic. The smell isn't necessarily the problem. Some people have very sensitive noses and can smell the mothballs' naphthalene the moment they set foot into a house they are visiting. It is hard to figure out how much naphthalene in the air is too much, if just going by smell. Better to use other insect repellents.
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127 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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