Why you really need to get rid of mothballs now!
When winter is done, many people like to make room in their wardrobe by packing away the chunky jumpers and jackets. For years, a preferred method of protecting those stored wearables from moths has been mothballs. But experts say that those little balls with the distinctive smell could pose a health risk.
Mothballs usually contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both pesticides whose fumes can irritate eyes and skin. Startlingly, the fumes can also affect the nervous system and liver. Napthalene is banned in the European Union, and the state of California lists both as known carcinogens. It should be noted, however, that the New South Wales State Government has said that exposure to naphthalene is safe in small doses for adults and older children.
If you’d rather be on the safe side, or even if you just don’t like the smell of moth balls, here are three alternatives to keep your clothes fresh and safe, sans any nasties.
Sealed containers are great at keeping out moths and moisture, which can lead to mould.
Vacuum-sealed storage bags are even better than sealed containers. Combine the two and you can rest easy.
Cedar wood contains an oil that deals well with small larvae, but isn’t effective on larger larvae and adult moths. It can also lose its potency after a year or two, so don’t rely solely on this.
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