Some teenagers are using mothballs to get high, a trend that may be underreported, researchers say.

Reuters reported July 27 that users place mothballs, which contain paradichlorobenzene, in a bag and inhale from it for about 10 minutes. Some users also chew mothballs. The term "bagging" has been used to describe the habit.

Mental impairment, loss of coordination, and scaly skin may be symptoms of mothball abuse. Paradichlorobenzene, also found in air fresheners and insect repellents, can cause anemia and liver and kidney failure.

One French teen found sniffing mothball fumes took six months to recover; a twin sister took three months. Researchers noted that only three such cases have been reported but said the habit may be more widespread.

The report appears in the July 27, 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.