Read the box   that person is dangerous   if they believe they are not
harmful to pets

http://www.aspca.org/site/Search?query=mothballs&inc=10
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_tristatenewsalert032406
http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0105_024-028.pdf?docID=5601&AddInterest=1101

PET POISON ALERT: MOTHBALLS CAN BE DANGEROUS TO DOGS AND CATS
Getting ready to do some spring cleaning? If you plan to use mothballs when
you put away your winter woolens, please heed the following information from
our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). "The ingestion
of just one mothball can potentially produce significant illness," says the
APCC's Dana Farbman, CVT.

According to Farbman, mothballs-particularly those containing an ingredient
known as naphthalene-are potentially toxic to dogs, cats and other animals.
If ingested, naphthalene can cause serious illness, including vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, swelling of the brain tissue, seizures, damage to
the liver, kidneys and blood cells, coma and even death.

Take care when using mothballs that contain dichlorobenzene, too. "This
insecticide is somewhat less toxic than naphthalene," explains Farbman, "but
it can still cause stomach upset and potentially even neurologic effects if
large enough amounts are consumed."

If you suspect that your pet may have ingested mothballs-or any other
potentially poisonous substance-please call your local veterinarian or the
APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone
assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

http://www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/housewaste/house/mothball.htm

MOTHBALLS
     HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT POSSIBLE EFFECTS
     PARADICHLOROBENZENE Vapor irritates skin, eyes and respiratory tract;
large doses can cause injury to liver; suspected carcinogen
     NAPHTHALENE Damages liver; prolonged vapor exposure has led to
cataract formation

Mothballs are a distinctive smelling, volatile solid used to repel moths.
Mothballs, which are classified as a pesticide, may look like candy to a
child. They are poisonous when eaten and seizures can develop in less than
one hour. Mothballs contain 100% of either naphthalene or
paradichlorobenzene. Both of these ingredients can produce harmful effects
when they enter your system through inhalation. Irritation to nose, throat,
and lungs, headache, confusion, excitement or depression, and liver and
kidney damage can result from exposure to mothball vapors over a long period
of time.

Mothballs containing naphthalene are of special concern because naphthalene
can promote a breakdown of red blood cells resulting in hemolytic anemia.
Hemolytic anemia in mild form may cause only fatigue. In more severe cases,
it can cause acute kidney failure. Young children are at particular risk.
Poisonings have been reported following dressing infants in clothing that
was stored with naphthalene mothballs, suggesting that absorption of
naphthalene may occur through the skin.

The warning label on mothball products reads "avoid prolonged breathing of
vapors." This label is at odds with the normal use of mothballs. By the very
nature of their ingredients, mothballs give off strong odors (vapors which
you can smell). These vapors tend to fill the entire home, making it nearly
impossible to avoid prolonged breathing of vapors unless you live outdoors.
The situation is complicated further when mothballs are placed in closets or
rooms with poor ventilation, where the vapors build to high concentrations.
Vapors are absorbed by clothes, blankets, and sheets resulting in direct
exposure when you are around these items.

Use: Avoid these products. If you do use mothballs, use them sparingly.
Mothballs which contain paradichlorobenzene may be safer, if only because
they do not promote hemolytic anemia.

Storage: Store away from children and pets in a well ventilated area.
Mothballs, if stored indoors, should be tightly wrapped in two plastic bags.

Disposal: Mothballs should be taken to a licensed hazardous waste handler or
saved for a professional household hazardous waste collection program