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New Zealand has taken a strict stance on the sale of mothballs, banning them nationwide due to the serious risk they pose to children who may accidentally ingest them. The country's Minister of Health recently issued a public warning, urging retailers to remove these products from shelves and advising customers who have already purchased them to either dispose of them safely or return them to the seller. This move is part of an ongoing effort to prevent poisoning incidents, especially among young children.
Mothballs are typically white in color and contain various toxic substances designed to repel moths that feed on natural fibers. However, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it clear that naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene—common ingredients in mothballs—are not approved for use as insecticides in the country. The agency emphasizes that these chemicals can be extremely harmful if ingested.
In a recent statement, the Minister of Health highlighted the dangers of high-concentration mothballs, stating that the higher the toxicity level, the more severe the health consequences. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to life-threatening conditions, and in some cases, death.
Although there are no official reports on fatalities caused by mothball ingestion in New Zealand, the country does see approximately two hospitalizations every three years due to accidental consumption of mothballs or similar products. A significant majority of those hospitalized are children under the age of four, underscoring the need for increased awareness and caution.
In comparison, mothballs and naphthalene are banned across much of Europe, while in Australia, they are still available but come with prominent warning labels to prevent accidental swallowing. In New Zealand, similar products are not sold, and any new chemical-based pest control items must undergo rigorous evaluation by the EPA before being allowed into the market.
This ban reflects a growing global trend toward stricter regulations on household chemicals that pose risks to public health, particularly to vulnerable groups like children. As consumers become more aware of the potential dangers, the demand for safer alternatives continues to rise.
Source: World Agrochemical Network
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About the Author:
Zhaohong is a journalist with a background in organic industry reporting. She has been actively covering this emerging field and remains committed to learning and sharing important developments in sustainable living.
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