Moss et al used simple tests to distinguish the 3 main types of mothballs. This can help to determine management of a person who has ingested mothballs. The authors are from Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Poison Control in Richmond.
Selection: mothballs recovered at scene
Types of mothballs:
(1) camphor (specific gravity 0.992)
(2) naphthalene (specific gravity 1.150)
(3) paradichlorobenzene (specific gravity 1.30)
Rules:
(1) If the mothball floats on water, then it is camphor (others sink).
(2) If the mothball sinks in 50% dextrose (D50W), then it is paradichlorobenzene.
Additional rules:
(1) Camphor dissolves in 91% isopropyl alcohol.
(2) Paradichlorobenzene sinks in most solutions.
where:
• 50% dextrose has a specific gravity of 1.170.
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