The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the general public against using Naphthalene (Camphor).
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the FDA said Naphthalene is registered as an insecticide in Ghana.
According to the FDA, it “has registered Naphthalene-containing products for use as insecticides.” The FDA cautioned the public to notice labels on registered Naphthalene products in Ghana as they contain sufficient information on their “proper use, warnings, and cautions.”
The FDA added that Naphthalene-containing products should “not come into contact with children or food, including water, and as a flammable material, should be kept away from fire.”
Read the full FDA statement below.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) issued a public alert in 2020 regarding the unapproved/off-label use and abuse of products containing Naphthalene to treat Covid-19. The Authority subsequently stated its position on the use of Naphthalene balls in an article published in 2022 on its website cautioning the public of the misuse of such products sold on the Ghanaian market.
The communique cautioned the public against the inappropriate use of these products, such as infusing them in drinking water or ingesting them for medicinal purposes. Recently, social media has highlighted the potential effects of using Naphthalene, including carcinogenic risks (causing cancer) and other health issues.
Several countries have banned products containing Naphthalene due to incorrect labelling of Naphthalene balls as “camphor” and the associated toxicity risks from inhalation and ingestion, especially in children. However, these products remain in use in most countries, provided that the label instructions are followed.
Labelling Rquirements
In Ghana, the FDA has registered Naphthalene-containing products for use as insecticides. The FDA wishes to inform the public that labels on registered Naphthalene products in Ghana contain sufficient information on their proper use, warnings, and cautions. These products should not come into contact with children or food, including water, and as a flammable material, should be kept away from fire.
The FDA, in line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for home-use pesticides, has prescribed specific labelling requirements for Naphthalene-containing products.
These labels must include directions for use (preventing direct contact with any material) and proper storage instructions.
Additionally, caution statements to keep the products away from food, children, and fire, among others, are mandatory on all registered product packages in accordance with regulatory requirements.
What the public should know
The use of Naphthalene will remain safe if the usage instructions are carefully followed. However, misuse of the product contrary to the prescribed instructions could result in adverse effects.
Once again, the Authority strongly cautions the public to adhere to the labelling instructions for Naphthalene-containing products and all other chemicals for their health and safety. The FDA will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the safe and sustained use of Naphthalene products in Ghana.