Perinatal toxicity of domestic naphthalene exposure

Eleanor J Molloy1, Benedict A Doctor, Michael D Reed

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Naphthalene-containing mothballs can cause methemoglobinemia on inhalation. We describe a mother with hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia associated with elevated levels of naphthalene following exposure to mothballs. Her newborn infant had identical symptoms requiring mechanical ventilation and an exchange transfusion for resolution.