FDA throws light on use and abuse of Naphthalene balls in Ghana.
Naphthalene balls, sometimes referred to as mothballs are white, volatile, small balls that are used either as pesticides or insecticides.
They may be used indoors or outdoors. Naphthalene balls mostly consist of the ingredients Naphthalene and Thionaphthalene and are obtained from either coal tar or petroleum distillation.
When naphthalene melts from solid into the gaseous state, it produces a strong pungent odour which is toxic to moths and other insects. Under the mandate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), naphthalene balls are classified as household chemical substances for repelling insects.
It has come to the notice of the FDA that some sections of the public use naphthalene/mothballs to purify drinking water, and for the treatment of stomach aches, measles, and diarrhoea.
These forms of usage other than repelling insects may cause serious harm to the users and therefore the public is strongly advised to desist from that.
Madam Rhoda Appiah Head of Communication FDA in an interview with Bohyeba Afriyie on Plan B Fm’s Ebaanosen revealed that over the years Ghanaians have abuse moth ball which negatively affects them but have no idea about it
She also said that the ingredients of the moth ball is not one for internal use .
She concluded that Ghanaians must put a stop to the abuse of the moth ball because it is causing them a lot of illness they have no idea about.
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