Identification of mothball powder composition by float tests and melting point tests.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to identify the composition, as either camphor, naphthalene, or paradichlorobenzene, of mothballs in the form of powder or tiny fragments by float tests and melting point tests.

Methods: Naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene and camphor mothballs were blended into powder and tiny fragments (with sizes <1/10 of the size of an intact mothball). In the float tests, the mothball powder and tiny fragments were placed in water, saturated salt solution and 50% dextrose solution (D50), and the extent to which they floated or sank in the liquids was observed.

A patient presented with dark brown urine after mothballs powder ingestion.

We report a case who presented with dark brown urine and malaise after mothballs powder ingestion.

Dextrose 50% as a better substitute for saturated salt solution in mothball float test.

We describe the use of dextrose 50% solution to differentiate naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene in the mothball float test. Its advantages over saturated salt solution are discussed.