Naphthalene in mothballs can result in a variety of signs and symptoms depending on the route and amount absorbed. Death may occur in more severe poisonings.
The onset of symptoms may be delayed hours to days after the exposure since metabolites are important toxic determinants.
Signs and symptoms - systemic:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) fever
(3) abdominal pain
(4) diarrhea
Signs and symptoms - neurologic:
(1) headache
(2) confusion
(3) seizures
(4) listlessness or lethargy
(5) vertigo
Signs and symptoms - organ specific:
(1) pallor
(2) renal failure with oliguria or anuria
(3) cyanosis (associated with methemoglobinemia)
Laboratory findings:
(1) severe hemolytic anemia with Heinz bodies, leukocytosis and reticulocytosis
(2) serum hyperbilirubinemia
(3) hemoglobinuria
(4) methemoglobinemia
(5) rising serum BUN and creatinine
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