Boric Acid
Boric acid, or hydrogen borate, is an odorless white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It is found naturally occurring in some minerals and is predominantly used in the manufacturing of fiberglass, cleansers, pesticides, fungicides and flame retardants. In its pure form, boric acid is a compound of hydrogen, boron, and oxygen.
Boric acid has been found to possess a number of useful characteristics. It is relatively non-toxic and is recognized for its antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. In addition, boric acid is known to have insecticidal properties and has been used to control pests such as roaches, fleas and silver fish. Its antiseptic qualities allow it to be used in human and veterinary treatment of fungal infections, while its insecticidal properties make it an effective agent against moths, flies and cockroaches.
Boric acid is also recognized for its ability to disrupt the reproductive cycle of certain insects. When mixed with sugar, it may be used as a pesticide for controlling scales, mealybugs, whiteflies and aphids. Boric acid-containing pesticides have also been used to control fire ants and other stinging ants in outdoor and greenhouse settings.
Boric acid can be found in many everyday products, including laxatives, antiseptics, skin care products, shampoo and cosmetics. It may also be used as a common additive in some foodstuffs, such as pickled vegetables and jams. Boric acid is also used in medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties in the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections, and in the treatment of vaginal and urinary tract infections.
Although boric acid generally has a low acute toxicity in humans, it can cause skin or eye irritation and can be harmful if swallowed. Therefore, it is important to follow safety precautions when handling or using boric acid. These include wearing protective clothing and a face mask, especially when using the product in its concentrated form. Additionally, boric acid should be stored in a cool, dry place, and away from open flames or children.
