Ask A Scientist© Environmental Science Archive

Author:      gary a latman
I asked this in the Chemistry section, but let us give an Environmentalist a 
shot.  There is an open can of moth ball flakes in the washroom where I work, 
being used as a deodorizer.  Its main ingredient is a benzene compound.  How 
dangerous is it to use the washroom and breathe in the air.  There is a sink 
and toilet in there, a very small space.  Should I dump the
stuff?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      rickru
In the past moth crystals were composed of naphthalene.  Today I believe the 
compound is paradichlorobenzene.  I do not have a toxicity book handy, our 
technical library is unavailable.

Gary, you want to be sure that the material actually is moth flakes.  There 
are other air freshening compounds which might exist in a form similar to moth 
flakes.  You can ask the janitor of your building if he has the container from 
which the material originated.  There is often handling instructions on 
containers of such substances.  In the meantime, I will try to pin down 
information for both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene.

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      mortis
Benzene is nasty stuff to breathe.  I am not sure dumping it in the toilet is 
the best thing to do with it.  Dropping it in the trash is probably more 
appropriate.  Benzene is a known carcinogen and should be avoided.  Your state 
office of Occupational Health and Safety could probably give you standards of 
work place exposure.