Mothballs may be made from either naphthalene or para-dichlorobenzene (PDB). These chemicals may be difficult to distinguish in an emergency since they look similar. They can often be distinguished based on some simple tests.
Both compounds are white, crystalline solids at room temperature.
Parameters:
(1) physical feel
(2) solubility in turpentine
(3) appearance on X-ray
Parameter
Naphthalene
p-Dichlorobenzene
physical feel
dry
wet and oily
solubility in turpentine
poor
good
appearance on X-ray
radiolucent
radio-opaque
where:
• Products containing halogens tend to be radio-opaque.
• PDB tends to be used in current mothballs because of the lower toxicity.
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