Summarize basic information of Naphthalene

Naphthalene is a white to almost white crystals or crystalline flakewith formula C10H8. It is the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon As an aromatic hydrocarbon, naphthalene's structure consists of a fused pair of benzene rings. It is best known as the main ingredient of traditional mothballs.

Naphthalene is used in the production of phthalic anhydride; it is also used in mothballs. Acute  exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage. Cataracts have also been reported in workers acutely exposed to naphthalene by inhalation and ingestion.Chronic (long-term) exposure of workers and rodents to naphthalene has been reported to cause cataracts and damage to the retina.  

Trace amounts of naphthalene(CAS NO:91-20-3) are produced by magnolias and specific types of deer, as well as the Formosan subterranean termite, possibly produced by the termite as a repellant against "ants, poisonous fungi and nematode worms."Some strains of the endophytic fungus Muscodor albus produce naphthalene among a range of volatile organic compounds, while Muscodor vitigenus produces naphthalene almost exclusively.Naphthalene has been found in meteorites. It has also been discovered in the interstellar medium in the direction of the star Cernis 52 in the constellation Perseus.

When naphthalene gas is inhaled, the body breaks it down into other chemicals that react with cells in the body and damage tissues. How naphthalene kills moths is not understood. The odor is thought to be unpleasant enough to drive animals away in repellent products.

Individuals may be exposed to naphthalene through the use of mothballs. Workers may be occupationally exposed to it during its manufacture and use, especially in coal-tar production, wood preserving, tanning, or ink and dye production. 

Naphthalene is released to the air from the burning of coal and oil and from the use of mothballs.  Coal tar production, wood preserving, and other industries release small amounts. Typical air concentrations of naphthalene in cities are about 0.18 parts per billion (ppb). It has also been detected in tobacco smoke.

In humans, naphthalene is broken down to alpha-naphthol, which is linked to the development of hemolytic anemia. Kidney and liver damage may also occur. Alpha-naphthol and other metabolites are excreted in urine.

In animals, naphthalene breaks down into other compounds including alpha-naphthol, which may affect the lungs and eyes. Naphthalene(CAS NO:91-20-3) was found in the milk of exposed cows, but the residues disappeared quickly after the cows were no longer exposed. Nearly all the naphthalene was broken down into other compounds and excreted in their urine.

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