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Expert: Donald Maidlow Date: 8/30/2006 Subject: Moth Ball Fumes
Question Is there a way to remove the moth ball odor from the bureau?
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Followup To
Question -
I am currently using my grandmother's bureau for my daughter's clothing. The bureau has a faint odor of moth balls and so does the clothing.
Moth balls have not been used in the bureau for at least 16 years. Do these residual fumes pose any threat to my 15 month-old daughter?
Answer -
I wish I could tell you how many times I have been asked this same question in a variety of scenerios.
You might want to go on the Internet in order to find additional information about moth balls, but I can tell you that they contain chemicals that can cause a variety of problems.
Many people suffer from intense headaches to eye and respiratory problems after being exposed to moth balls and/or their odor for a period of time.
I would sugest you not expose your daughter to the odor of this product and especially not the clothing she will be wearing. As you have already discovered, even after many years the fumes continue to linger.
Good luck. Please don't forget to rate your opinion of the response you received.
Answer Unfortunately, I know of no way to remove these fumes or odors.
You might check with your state or county environmental protection agency, but I think they will tell you the same thing.
I hate to say this, but you might consider either disposing of the bureau or having new drawers made if you really want to keep it. Could get expensive.
