Moth Balls and Moth Repellent Products — household safety profile
High riskMoth repellent products containing either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB).
What is this product?
Moth repellent products containing either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB). Both are volatile solid fumigants that sublimate at room temperature. Naphthalene is an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen; 1,4-DCB is an EPA Group C possible carcinogen. Mothballs are pesticides (EPA-registered) but commonly misused — placed in living spaces, attics, under houses, and in gardens where children and pets are exposed.
What's in it
Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.
Active Ingredient
Active Ingredient Alt
Who's most at risk
- Children — Developing endocrine and neurological systems, higher exposure per body weight
Red flags — when to walk away
- Strong chemical odor from new product — Off-gassing of volatile chemicals.
Green flags — what to look for
- GREENGUARD or UL certification — Tested for low chemical emissions.
Safer alternatives
- Cedar blocks and chips — natural moth deterrent
- Lavender sachets — repels moths without toxic chemicals
- Sealed garment bags with cedar or lavender — Safer alternative
Frequently asked questions
Who should be careful with Moth Balls and Moth Repellent Products?
Vulnerable populations identified for this product type: children.
Are there safer alternatives to Moth Balls and Moth Repellent Products?
Yes — consider: Cedar blocks and chips; Lavender sachets; Sealed garment bags with cedar or lavender. See the Safer alternatives section above for details.
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Open in home View raw API dataReference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific information. Why we built ALETHEIA →