THE USE AND ABUSE OF NAPHATHALENE BALLS IN GHANA

Naphthalene balls, sometimes referred to as mothballs are white, volatile, small balls that are used either as pesticides or insecticides. They may be used indoors or outdoors. Naphthalene balls mostly consist of the ingredient naphthalene and thionaphthalene and is obtained from either coal tar or petroleum distillation. When a naphthalene ball sublimes from solid into the gaseous state, it produces a strong pungent odour which is toxic to moths and other insects. Under the mandate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), naphthalene balls are classified as household chemical substances for repelling insects.

It has come to the notice of the FDA that some sections of the public use naphthalene/mothballs to purify drinking water, and for the treatment of stomach aches, measles, and diarrhea. These forms of usage other than repelling insects may cause serious harm to the users. The public is, therefore, strongly advised to desist from that.

Indeed, research has shown that incorrect use of naphthalene balls can have severe health consequences on consumers and long-term exposure to them may result in severe anemia, respiratory tumors, reproductive problems, headaches, nausea, sweating, jaundice, confusion, malaise, abdominal pains, eye, and nose irritations. Additionally, continuous release of these balls into water bodies and the environment can have dire consequences on aquatic life.

The FDA, therefore, urges the public to desist from the unapproved use of naphthalene balls and adhere to only the approved use as a household chemical substance solely approved for repelling insects and pests.

To this end, the FDA will continue to partner with relevant institutions in the sensitization of the public on both the appropriate use and harm that may result from the abuse of naphthalene balls to safeguard the health and safety of the consuming public.

Meanwhile, other regulatory interventions such as the recent introduction of the Street Food Vending Permit initiative intended to closely monitor the preparation, packaging and storage of street foods are being enforced in a bid to ensure that no chemical contamination occurs and there is strict adherence to Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) at all times.