Naphthalene can also irritate the skin. Very high levels of naphthalene can cause headaches and nausea. Naphthalene may also damage the liver, kidneys and the eyes. Naphthalene is not suspected of causing cancer. The reproductive and developmental effects of naphthalene are not known.
Anemia can result when high levels of naphthalene are breathed, absorbed through the skin or eaten.
Repeated exposure to naphthalene can cause clouding of the eye's lens and damage vision. In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed. However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person. A person's reaction depends on several things, including individual health, heredity, previous exposure to chemicals including medicines, and personal habits such as smoking or drinking. Naphthalene is quickly eliminated from the body.