Experts say mothball ban will save children’s lives
17th June 2011
By Staff writer
AUSTRALIA’S move to suspend the sale of naphthalene flakes should be followed with a total ban on mothballs and related products that pose a potentially lethal risk to children, neonatologists say.
Exposure to naphthalene can trigger haemolysis and kernicterus in children who have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, say experts who are calling for Australia to follow Europe in ending household usage.
“NSW and Victorian poisons agencies each receive at least one call per week about a child exposed to naphthalene,” said