Naphthalene enters the environment from industrial uses, from its use as a moth repellent, from the burning of wood or tobacco, and from accidental spills. Naphthalene at hazardous waste sites and landfills can dissolve in water and be present in drinking water. Naphthalene can become weakly attached to soil or pass through the soil particles into underground water.
Most of the naphthalene entering the environment is from the burning of woods and fossil fuels in the home. The second greatest release of naphthalene is through the use of moth repellents. Only about 10% of the naphthalene entering the environment is from coal production and distillation. Less than 1% of the naphthalene released to the atmosphere can be attributed to the losses from naphthalene production. Cigarette smoking also releases small amounts of naphthalene into the air.
Naphthalene evaporates easily. That is why you can smell mothballs. In the air, moisture and sunlight make it break down, often within 1 day. Naphthalene can change to 1-naphthol or 2-naphthol. These chemicals have some of the toxic properties of naphthalene. Some naphthalene will dissolve in water in rivers, lakes, or wells. Naphthalene in water is destroyed by bacteria or evaporates into the air. Most naphthalene will be gone from water in rivers or lakes within 2 weeks.
Naphthalene binds weakly to soils and sediments. It easily passes through sandy soils to reach underground water. In soil, some microorganisms break down naphthalene. When near the surface of the soil, naphthalene will evaporate into air. Microorganisms present in the soil will break down most of the naphthalene in 1–3 months.
Naphthalene does not accumulate in the flesh of animals and fish that you might eat. If dairy cows are exposed to naphthalene, some naphthalene will be in their milk; if laying hens are exposed, some naphthalene will be in their eggs.