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What is Boric Acid?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Boric acid is a water soluble chemical compound that has been used since the 1600s, when chemists first discovered that they could generate it by treating borate with sulfuric acid. A wide variety of industries use this compound, and it is often touted for its relatively low toxicity. A wide variety of products containing it can be found on the market, ranging from insecticides to cosmetics, and pure boric acid is also available through some chemical suppliers and hardware stores.

Chemists know boric acid as H3BO3. The compound may be white or colorless, depending on its precise composition, and it is sold both in the form of a powder, and in a wet solution. It is a very mild acid, and it can be used for industrial processes like treating wood, fireproofing various materials, making cement, and creating controlled reactions in nuclear power plants. Boric acid also makes an excellent preservative and desiccant, and appears in the packaging for an assortment of products.

Boric acid may be used to fireproof various materials.
Boric acid may be used to fireproof various materials.

Boric acid also has a number of medicinal uses. It works as a mild antiseptic, and it can be effective in the treatment of some skin conditions such as acne and mild rashes. It also works on yeast and fungal infections, and, in a diluted form, it can be used as an eyewash. The compound is also a effective low-toxicity fungicide which can be used to control pests like ants and cockroaches.

Boric acid may be used for treating wood.
Boric acid may be used for treating wood.

While boric acid is of low toxicity, it can be dangerous. Some animals appear to bioaccumulate borates, which means that long-term exposure can cause health problems. Boric acid can also be deadly when ingested, and prolonged use on the skin or in the eyes can cause irritation. It can also be harmful to household pets, who reach lethal levels of exposure more quickly than humans, thanks to their smaller size.

Boric acid may be used for making cement.
Boric acid may be used for making cement.

If boric acid is used for things like household pest control, it should be applied carefully, and ingestion should be avoided. Topical applications should avoid mucus membranes and breaks in the skin, which could provide a route for it to enter the body, and use should be discontinued if an irritation develops. It is also a good idea to discuss the use of boric acid with a medical professional, to ensure that the user does not have any medical conditions or use medications which could contraindicate its use.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon120490

Boric acid is H3BO3 not H3BO4. Wrong chemical formula in this article.

anon114517

Can someone please tell me the measurements for the boric acid mixture for cockroaches? thank you.

anon92672

So it is OK if I got some of the mixture on my hands? One cup corn syrup, 1/4 C. hot water and 2 teas. boric acid.

anon73103

Can you use boric acid on your feet for seven days straight?

anon64009

what is the shelf life of boric acid?

anon50736

what is the average shelf life of powdered boric acid (if kept dry and still in powdered form)?

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    • Boric acid may be used to fireproof various materials.
      By: beeandbee
      Boric acid may be used to fireproof various materials.
    • Boric acid may be used for treating wood.
      By: Christian Delbert
      Boric acid may be used for treating wood.
    • Boric acid may be used for making cement.
      By: alisonhancock
      Boric acid may be used for making cement.
    • Boric acid can be used to control ant infestations.
      By: Sapsiwai
      Boric acid can be used to control ant infestations.
    • Boric acid can be used in insecticides to kill cockroaches.
      By: R_R
      Boric acid can be used in insecticides to kill cockroaches.
    • Boric acid can be used to treat acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Boric acid can be used to treat acne.