1. Camphor
By: Ryan Sherrill

2. Brief Description
 Camphor, also called Camphanone, is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a
strong aromatic odor
 Chemical Formula is C10H16O
 Used mostly for it’s scent, as a cooking ingredient, an embalming agent, various
medicines, and also for religious ceremonies

3. Health Risks
 May be toxic to upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes, central nervous system
 Repeated or prolonged exposure to Camphor can produce organ damage

4. Embalming Uses
 Camphor was once used in the preservation of human remains
 In the early 1900’s laws were passed prohibiting the use of metal salts in
embalming, and camphor was replaced with Formaldehyde

5. Other Uses
 Camphor is used to repel moths, as well as reptiles such as snakes due to it’s
strong odor
 It can also be used as food ingredients, mostly desserts, it has antimicrobial
properties, and can be applied as a local anesthetic
 Camphor in its solid state releases fumes that can prevent rust

6. Religious Uses
 The Hindu burn Camphor in religious ceremonies to worship the “sacred
flame”
 It is also burnt in reverence to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and
creation

7. Personal interests in Camphor
 Camphor was used to embalm only the most prestigious people in most
cultures, warriors and kings mostly
 It is used in embalming, and also in food, which is rather fascinating to me
 In Naples in the 1850’s tincture of Camphor was used to treat the cholera
epidemic

8. Works Cited
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor
 http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923284
 http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/archive/tcaw/11/i12/pdf/1202chronicles.pdf