Naphthalene (C10H8) is a natural component of fossil fuels such as petroleum, diesel and coal. The common consumer products made from naphthalene are moth repellents, in the form of mothballs or crystals, and toilet deodorant blocks. Major toxic effects of naphthalene are due to precipitation of acute intravascular hemolysis. Very few cases of naphthalene poisoning and its effects have been reported from India. We report a case of accidental naphthalene poisoning, who presented with intravascular hemolysis and methemoglobinemia.
Keywords: Intravascular hemolysis; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene blue; Naphthalene.