CAMPHOR
Camphor is a colorless or a white crystal granule or cake product obtained from
the wood of the camphor tree. It may also be synthetically derived. Some products
such as lotions, astringents, and moth repellents still contain camphor as an
active ingredient. In 1980, the Food and Drug Administration set a limit of 11%
allowable camphor in consumer products and totally banned products labeled as
camphorated oil, camphor oil, camphor liniment, and camphorated liniment.
Camphor, readily absorbed through the skin, produces the sensation of warmth
and slight local anesthesia. Camphor poisoning produces seizures and may be
preceded by mental confusion, irritability, neuromuscular hyperactivity, and
jerky movements of the extremities. Camphor poisoning from household products
may occur following oral ingestion. Symptoms occur five to ninety minutes
following ingestion.
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