If you’ve heard the words naphthalene or camphor, you might think that their effects and usages are the same since they share a physical similarity. In this article, we will explore which is most convenient, the main differences, and their uses.
Although “naphthalene” and “camphor” are similar substances, they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. The main difference between them is that “naphthalene” is toxic to humans, whereas “camphor” isn’t. “Naphthalene” is used in plasticizers and adhesives. In contrast, “camphor” is used in chapstick and Vapor Rubs.
Due to their effects on human health, it is preferable to understand the traits that make each substance different to avoid complications and identify the best ways to optimize the usage of both.
Naphthalene Vs Camphor
“Naphthalene” is a solid, white, volatile substance with a strong scent. This product results from the distillation of coal tar and whenever things burn. It derives from the Latin “naphtha,” although, to the date, and for easier comprehension, a transliteration of the word is preferred and applied to reference volatile hydrocarbons.
“Camphor” (Cinnamomum camphora), derived from old French “camphre” and Latin “camfora,” is also a volatile, transparent, organic solid, characterized by a strong, musty scent and menthol taste, and is part of the vapor effect in medicines that use it. It’s a product of an evergreen tree’s trunk found in Japan, China, Taiwan, and other parts of East Asia.
Both chemical substances are nouns that pertain to scientific scenarios. Their difference relies on the contexts in which they’re used.
Examples
- “Naphthalene” proper usage: The cylinders made of naphthalene were more resistant and maintained their shape.
- “Camphor” proper usage: Out of all the painkiller sprays and rubs I’ve tried, Vicks Vapor Rub is my favorite one due to its effective base element, camphor.
Both “camphor” and “naphthalene” can be easily confused for candy, breath mints, or health pills. However, in humans, short-term exposure to naphthalene can cause severe health problems, such as headaches, eye irritation, anemia, liver and neurological damage.
For this reason, and since neither is safe for oral consumption, they should be kept far away from kids. Additionally, they should be used for specific reasons like medical prescriptions and always under an adult’s supervision.
Substance Interactions And Noun Usage
The problem resides when people want to use both terms interchangeably, in grammar and a literal sense. People consider them the same because they share similarities in how they look and sometimes how they smell. Committing this type of error can lead to misinterpretation during a verbal exchange of ideas. For example, it can cause a terrible, even deathly medical recommendation.
Whenever considering these two terms as synonyms, it is better to relate camphor with menthol than with naphthalene. The reason is that they are both a product of plants, and naphthalene is the result of fuel burning.
Example
- Camphor, tea, groundnuts, oil, and sugar, are all export products.
- Last night the fire was evident; we saw smoke near our house, we could all taste iron in the air and the naphthalene.
“Camphor” has been shown to positively affect the skin and muscles when used in proper amounts. It has proven to reduce itchiness, uncomfortable body inflammation, improve acne scars, and is considered highly during aromatherapy sessions.
Alternatively, “naphthalene” can be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact with the eyes or skin. If the person exposes themselves to long periods of time, they will show retinal damage. Another downside to this substance is its supply availability and cheap cost. Even if this substance is very effective in working as a repellent, as adhesives, and other organic chemicals, people should consider healthier, greener alternatives that are non-toxic to the environment and to general health.
Uses Of Naphthalene
As it has been said before, the use of the term “naphthalene” should be reserved for industrial and commercial procedures. The reason for this is that “naphthalene” is a protagonist when it comes to the creation of polyvinyl plastics (PVC) and plasticizers. It is in such high demand because it is the source of the industrial chemical Phthalic anhydride.
Common products that include this substance are:
- Mothballs and other pesticides
- Lubricants
- Resins
- Fuels
- Tanning agents
- Adhesives
- Dye intermediates
- Solvents and surfactants
- Paint additives
- Deodorant blocks
- Some agricultural chemicals
- Squirrel and bat repellent
“Although mothballs were once quite casually scattered through drawers and wardrobes in the home, naphthalene is a substance that is best used in controlled circumstances and kept away from human beings.” (Chemistry W. – podcast article)
This statement reveals that the need to have fresh-smelling spaces and choosing a menthol scent over a damp smell isn’t a modern whim but a frequent and timely demand from homeowners.
Sadly, when it comes to naphthalene’s substance misplacing, confusing it with candy or pills is a harmful, common practice that can cause kidney lesions or even death. According to the Risk Assessment Information System, “naphthalene” can be lethal at 2-3 grams for children, while 5-15 grams for adults.
When it comes to environmental effects that “naphthalene” provokes, they’re alarming. Practices such as wood and tobacco burning, toxic gas via mothballs, and accidental spills correlate to the 92.2% that is released into the air. Additionally, 5% is released into the water and 2.8% into the ground or soil.
Uses Of Camphor
Unlike “naphthalene,” camphor is more human-friendly. This means that its usage both grammatically and literally is less controlled and even recommended on some occasions.
Concerning the benefits of camphor, they are its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It’s also known to treat muscular pain, relieve arthritis, improve skin appearance, and relieve congestion and coughing. Additionally, it is considered a great sleep-inducer and an effective reliever of stress and anxiety. It is also popularly believed that camphor cleanses both the ambiance and your inner being.
It is one of the components of popular products such as:
- Vick VaporRub
- Icy Hot
- Lotions and creams
- Some chapsticks
- Bengay
- Veterinary medicine
- Respiratory stimulant to treat sinuses
- Healing burns
- Toning skin
- Pain-relief sprays
- Treating cracked heels
- Aromatherapy
- Bath soak
Whenever positive results in the areas of health, social benefit, and rentability are seen, it’s logical to consider commercial purposes for its further use and personal economic improvement.
When it comes to sprays and chest rubs, camphor users can even DIY their products, whether for individual use or selling around their community. Even bigger sales are reported if their products meet the proper conditions for distribution and there’s a niche for them.
Recommended Dosage
Naphthalene, unlike camphor, doesn’t have a recommended dosage. The less exposure, the better health one will enjoy.
The easiest way to purchase camphor is as an essential oil, although the option to buy powders, granules, or natural blocks online is also viable and considered practical by users. Nevertheless, anything consumed in excess can become toxic. This is why when considering starting using camphor, getting a doctor’s prescription is advised; this is the best way to mitigate the unwanted effects of this substance. It is best to avoid self-medicating, as it could enhance the already present maladies.
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, the recommended doses of camphor for children are products that don’t exceed 11% of the substance in chest rubs. In contrast, for painkillers and products that treat itchiness or irritation, it ranges anywhere from 3%-11%.
While adults share the exact dosage as children for painkiller purposes, inhalation should be one tablespoon per H2O quart for them and 4.7-5.3% for ointments.
However, and like any medical prescription, there are exceptions. Vulnerable patients, those with high blood pressure, heart diseases, and those who breastfeed should consult their doctor before starting camphor usage. It should be noted that scientific discoveries have shown that topical and aromatherapeutic uses of this substance are most appropriate, as taking camphor orally is highly unsafe and poisonous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, further studies must take place to show the benefits of camphor for human health and the aesthetic field. Additionally, research should be done to demonstrate how worthy are naphthalene’s uses regarding human and environmental health. Even if these substances interact in more than one human scenario, their differences are notorious and essential to be understood.
Naphthalene should only be used under controlled circumstances; if it is in a grammatical context, it is best to limit your usage to industrial dialogues. Those listening could get confused if used outside of it, thinking that camphor is the substance that works best for those purposes. On the other hand, camphor should be limited to medicinal or cosmetic conversations rather than industrial ones.
Even if they are regarded as similar in their characteristics, their differences are notorious and essential to be understood.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.