http://www.fortworthgov.org/Dem/ecc_mothballs.htm

Consumer Alerts
Household Chemical Waste
Environmental Management Department



Dangers of Illegal Mothballs

Illegally imported mothballs, which can easily be mistaken for candy or gumballs, are a concern due to widespread sale and distribution. Their use can lead to the accidental poisoning of children. The mothballs often contain paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. Recent studies have linked both chemicals to illnesses, and naphthalene has been linked to nasal cancer.

Properly registered products have labels that list their ingredients, their human, environmental, physical and chemical hazards, and information on their use, storage and disposal. Comparisons with similar, registered products show that many of these illegal products lack key information on their labels.

Many of these products are sold in immigrant-owned markets or at larger thrift stores and flea markets. They might also be purchased off the Internet.

If you have purchased these products, PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM. Instead, take them to the City of Fort Worth's Environmental Collection Center...