Naphthalene

Definition

Naphthalene occurs naturally in fossil fuels such as oil and coal, and is produced when burning wood or tobacco. It is also the most volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with a gas phase share of 90-100%.

Predominant sources of emissions

Limited information is available on indoor air concentrations of naphthalene and exposure levels. Common indoor sources of naphthalene are unvented paraffin stoves and tobacco smoke. Used in the household as a moth repellent.

Legislation and intervals

According to World Health Organization: The limit value for Naphthalene is 0.01 mg/m3 on an annual average.