Cytotoxicity of naphthalene toward cells from target and non-target organs in vitro

•Naphthalene was a low potency cytotoxicant in vitro (500μM NOAEL).•Naphthalene decreased GSH, ATP and viability in rat, mouse and human hepatocytes.•Human nasal respiratory epithelial cells more sensitive than rat or mouse cells.•Naphthalene decreased GSH and ATP in rat, mouse and human lung cell preparations.•Differential metabolism of naphthalene may be involved in rodent cancers.