Q: I live in an old walk-up building in Manhattan and our apartment suddenly smells like moth balls. Neither my roommate nor I have ever used mothballs. What do you think is causing this? Is there something else that mimics the mothball smell or is this something we should be worried about? Obviously we want it to go away immediately for our own comfort, but if there is something that we should be worried about health-wise?
Sent by Erin
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Dear Camphor, used to keep silver from tarnishing, smells almost exactly like moth balls.
If you live on E. 78th street, well, then it's likely moth balls and, likely me. Sorry!
I should probably comment on how to get rid of the smell too....
Moth balls (the natural kind) are made from naphthalene gas. It's harmless to humans unless ingested or inhaled in extremely strong quantities, in which case, one would experience dizziness.
I've recently taken some rugs out of storage and am airing them out. So far, the quickest way to rid the smell of moth balls is a good dose of fresh air as the gas will eventually diminish.
If it continues, then it's best to find the source of the moth balls. Some people (especially in NYC) use moth balls illegally to ward of mice and roaches. If the smell continues, the best thing to do is ask around and if you find the source, politely ask the person to kindly not use as many moth balls. If they're putting them in the walls / floor cracks, tell them to stop.
Thanks for posting my question!
I think I've gathered some more information on this that may explain the cause: I live on the sixth floor and the woman on the first floor recently passed away. Her apartment is currently sealed by the city. Is it standard procedure for the city to put moth balls in an apartment before sealing it up? Can the smell travel through a steam pipe?
Thanks everyone!
Napthalene is actually pretty harmful:
Health Effects of Napthalene
Even though you're not being exposed at high doses, just the smell of napthalene alone can be highly irritating.
it never fails to amuse me how many people with bad/obvious/pointless advice will post simply to "hear themselves talk."
yes, opening windows is great advice, but I'm sure you've already tried that.
Go to Sally's beauty supply and pick up salon strength air fresheners. The ones that are solid gels in plastic tubs that you unscrew the cap off of work REALLY well at eliminating all odors, especially chemical-y ones. I've been using them in my studios & tiny 1-bedrooms for years next to my cat litter box, and they also do a great job at eliminating cigarette smoke, leftover odors from cooking, "musty" old carpet/old building smells, and various other smells that cramped, old buildings are cursed with.
The following may be completely pointless information, but there was an episode of "House" where termites poisoned a patient with napthalene because supposedly they excrete it to protect their nests (in the walls around his bedroom). Not so certain there are any termites in Manhattan, though.
Small bowls or glasses of vinegar placed around the apartment also help. Coffee beans and vinegar are both good -- try them together!
Wine tasters and perfume specialists and others who count on their sense of smell being uncontaminated often smell a small bowl of coffee beans between tastes or sniffs.
Has anyone tried the MaryEllen's Atmosklear or Smelleze® Mothball Deodorizer Pouch? research on the web says they're the best. I need to get the smell out of clothing & hanging it outside isn't helping at all...