Eurocrats ban mothballs over health issues

London, Nov 16 : The small balls of chemical pesticide and deodorant that we know as mothballs will soon no longer be available for use because of a new EU restriction.

The mothballs are composed of a chemical called as naphthalene and EU has put a restriction on its usage, in order to ensure greater protection of health and the environment.

The new regulations are part of the EU's REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) directive, which regulates chemical use in member countries.

John Lewis, the Oxford Street department stores in central London, admitted that it no longer stocks traditional mothballs.

"John Lewis stopped ordering the sachet-style Anti Moth Proofer at the end of July this year because it was no longer going to comply with EU regulations - this is a normal procedure as products are continually upgraded. The replacement for this product will be out in December," the Telegraph quoted Jenny Spivey, the buyer for clothes care, cleaning and storage, as saying.

The Government's Health Protection Agency supports the restrictions on naphthalene, which is flammable and toxic.

"Its [naphthalene] use in the European Union has now been banned for most applications," a spokesman said.

The small number of moth balls that are not made from naphthalene are not affected by the restrictions.

ANI