Mothballs (Naphthalene)

Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene mothballs in closets.

58Moderate burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapCedar blocks, lavender sachets, or sealed garment bags

How this score is built

100Start
72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
65.6Everyday exposure 2 × 3.4−6.8
58Persistence 3 × 2.6−7.8, then rounded to 58
ModerateThe band58 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	6/10	unsourced input
Everyday exposure	2/10	A review of about 150 studies found indoor sources are the major contributor to non-occupational naphthalene exposure; continued use in mothballs appears responsible for some of the highest indoor exposures, and several studies reported maxima above 100 µg/m³. A critical review of naphthalene sources and exposures relevant to indoor and outdoor air · Int J Environ Res Public Health 2010 DOI 10.3390/ijerph7072903 · PMID 20717549 · Abstract · read 2026-10-12
Persistence	3/10	unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. Mothballs slowly sublimate into a gas you breathe in enclosed spaces. Physical barriers and natural deterrents protect clothes without the fumes.

Evidence strength: strong

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Lower-exposure choices

Vinegar & Baking Soda CleaningMinimal · Home

All 36 home entries, highest burden first →