Patient's question:
Patient Age: One and a half years oldDescription of the Problem: There are camphor balls placed in the family wardrobe and on the bed frame. Is this harmful to children?
Doctor's answer:
Camphor balls, also known as deodorizing balls, are mostly made from benzene derived as a substitute from coal tar, with a small amount of dichlorobenzene added. Benzene is a toxic chemical raw material that can be inhaled through the respiratory tract or absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tract. After entering the human body, benzene will directly damage organs such as the respiratory tract, liver, and kidneys. It can also directly act on red blood cells, causing them to rupture and leading to acute hemolysis. Therefore, clothes that have come into contact with camphor balls, especially underwear and pants, should be exposed to sunlight before wearing to allow the benzene that has into the fabric to vaporize rapidly due to heat.Camphor balls are used to repel insects, with their main component being naphthol, which has a strong volatility. When a child puts on clothes that have been placed with camphor balls, naphthol enters the bloodstream through the skin, causing changes in the red blood cell membrane and affecting its integrity. The destruction of red blood cells leads to acute hemolysis, progressive anemia, severe jaundice, urine appearing like strong tea, and in severe cases, it can develop into heart failure, posing a life-threatening risk.