Mothballs in food cabinets [duplicate]
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I tossed mothballs in my kitchen cabinets about a month ago, now everytime I open cabinets all I smell is mothballs, and the food smells like mothballs too. Can I eat the food or should I throw it away?
Best Answer
Mothball is a mild poison. msds
Contamination via vapor to food may only be mildly toxic but not a good idea.
You can keep food in unopened cans and air tight glass containers. Wipe them down with a mild detergent. Sealed plastic containers is questionable. Remove everything then wipe the cupboards and walls with a light detergent. Let them dry / air out thoroughly before returning food to the cupboards.
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Can I use mothballs in my pantry?
Mothballs should not be used around food or food preparation areas. Mothballs are only allowed to be used in airtight containers. Gasses build up to kill insects that feed on natural fibers. Those gasses may pose a risk to people or pets if used improperly.Why does my Cabinet smell like mothballs?
What Causes a Mothball Smell In Your House? The simple answer is mothballs. Specifically the chemical that causes the mothball smell is naphthalene. Naphthalene also is present in tobacco smoke, and even in the air in highly polluted cities.Can mothball fumes get into food?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Children or pets sometimes mistake mothballs for food or candy and eat them, which can cause serious effects.How do you get rid of mothball smell in pantry?
Make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and use it to either spray or wipe down wood furniture before allowing the surfaces to air dry. Then, if that piece of furniture has drawers, shelves, cabinets, or any enclosed spaces, place a bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda inside\u2014both of which absorb odors.Hilarious Man Describes Crushing A Mothball Woman In Backgound Reacts
More answers regarding mothballs in food cabinets [duplicate]
Answer 2
Even if it safe, it is unlikely to be anywhere near palatable. Throw the food out, clean the cupboards, ventilate them well for a few days, then don't put food back in until all smell of mothball has gone
Answer 3
Toss contaminated food
As others suggest, toss the food as mothballs are toxic by design, being made of:
Diatomaceous earth
The safer way to fight moths in your food or cabinets is with Diatomaceous earth. This white powder is mined from ancient sedimentary rock, the silica remains of diatoms. Think of it as tiny sea shells smashed into a fine powder.
The powder particles are dry and sharp like the tiniest of shards of glass. The particles both slice and desiccate moths and fleas, as well as their eggs & larvae.
The powder is chemically inert. You can easily rinse or wipe it away. Avoid breathing any, not because of toxic reactions but because it is a physical irritant and can damage cells. If you vacuum the powder, be sure to do so well-ventilated, preferably with a HEPA filter.
You can mix the powder with food items like rice that you later rinse before cooking. The bulk bins at your food co-op or natural foods store are commonly treated this way.
You can also sprinkle powder along the edges and crevices of shelves where their eggs/larvae tend to nestle.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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