An algorithm for identifying mothball composition

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Unintentional mothball ingestions pose significant toxicity risks to children.
• Identifying the specific mothball compound (camphor, naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene) is crucial as management varies.
• Existing identification methods are outdated and impractical for emergency settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified identification technique for mothball compounds.
• To utilize materials readily available in emergency departments.

Main Methods:

• Naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, and camphor samples were tested intact and fragmented.
• Samples were immersed in eleven different solutions, including water and varying dextrose concentrations.
• Three toxicologists evaluated sample behavior (sink, float, dissolve) in a blinded manner.

Main Results:

• A two-fluid algorithm using water and 50% dextrose effectively distinguished the mothball types.
• Camphor floats in water; naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene sink.
• Naphthalene and camphor float in 50% dextrose; paradichlorobenzene sinks.

Conclusions:

• Mothball compounds can be differentiated using simple immersion tests in water and 50% dextrose.
• This method offers a practical solution for emergency departments.
• Camphor tablets were used as a substitute for mothballs due to availability limitations.