Common hazardous ingredients
Naphthalene, p-dichlorobenzene

Potential hazards
Poisonous when eaten. May look like candy to a child. Poisonings have also been reported after dressing infants in clothing that had been stored with naphthalene-containing mothballs. Chemically sensitive individuals are also at risk of this reaction. Irritant to nose, throat and lungs when inhaled. Potential liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure to vapors.

Use and storage
Avoid these products. If you do choose to use mothballs, use them sparingly, according to label instructions, in a seldom used room. NEVER use mothballs or flakes as air fresheners. Store any remaining mothballs/moth crystals in an airtight plastic bag. Store in a locked cabinet or out of reach of children.

Disposal
Best: Use up in a seldom-used room or give away.
Second Best: Hold for a household hazardous waste collection. In Oregon, call 1-800-732-9253 to find out if there is a hazardous waste collection event scheduled in your community, or call your garbage hauler, local government solid waste department or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at (503) 229-5913 or toll-free at 1-800-452-4011.

Alternatives

• Kill moth eggs by running garments through a warm clothes dryer.
• Periodically shake out woolens.  Discard or donate woolens, leather and feather products that are no longer used to avoid contaminating newer materials.
• Clean woolens prior to storage.  They should be hand washed using a mild soap whenever possible.  Dry clean as a last resort.  Dry cleaning is a significant air polluter.  If you decide to dry clean, shop around for a dry cleaner that attempts to control emissions and reduce the use of toxic solvents.
• Store seasonal woolens in very tight containers when not in use.
• Vacuum rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture regularly.
• If you suspect infestation, place the item in a plastic bag in the freezer for at least 48 hours.  Return the item to room temperature and repeat freezing.  Leave the item in a tightly sealed plastic bag or container to prevent reinfestation.