Boric acid is a dangerous poison. Poisoning from this chemical can be acute or chronic. Acute boric acid poisoning usually occurs when someone swallows powdered roach-killing products that contain the chemical.
Chronic poisoning occurs in those who are repeatedly exposed to boric acid. For example, in the past, boric acid was used to disinfect and treat wounds. Patients who received such treatment over and over again got sick, and some died.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative NamesBorax poisoning
Poisonous IngredientBoric acid
Where FoundNote: This list may not be all inclusive.
SymptomsThe main symptoms of boric acid poisoning are blue-green vomit, diarrhea, and a bright red rash on the skin. Other symptoms may include:
If the chemical is on the skin, remove by washing the area thoroughly.
If the chemical was swallowed, seek medical treatment immediately.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Treatment depends on the individual symptoms. The patient may receive:
Note: Activated charcoal does not effectively treat (absorb) boric acid.
Expectations (prognosis)The infant Death Rate from boric acid poisonings is high. However, boric acid poisoning is considerably rarer than in the past because the substance is no longer used as a disinfectant in nurseries. It is also no longer commonly used in medical preparations. Boric acid is an ingredient in some vaginal suppositories used for yeast infections, although this is NOT a standard treatment.
ReferencesGoldfrank LR. Ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2006.
Cain WS. Sensory and associated reactions to mineral dusts: sodium borate, calcium oxide, and calcium sulfate. J Occup Environ Hyg. April 2004; 1(4): 222-36.
Matsuda K Toxicological analyses over the past five years at a single institution. Rinsho Byori.Oct. 2004; 52(10): 819-23.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/04/2012
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/2/2011).
yes, boric acid is a weak acid
15%
Boric acid don't react with water but is soluble in water.
The equivalent weight of boric acid is 20,61 g.
They are the same.
yes, boric acid is a weak acid
15%
No. No difference. Boric Acid is actually in a powder form.
Boric acid don't react with water but is soluble in water.
H3Bo4 is Boric acid. Boric acid is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide,flame retardant, neutron absorber, or precursor to other chemical compounds.
Boric acid is indeed used for ant control, but boric acid is a lot more famous for it's use in roach control. Boric acid is completely deadly to them and if used correctly, boric acid is the most effective roach control.
Is boric acid harmful to dogs
Killing ants with boric acid.
The equivalent weight of boric acid is 20,61 g.
They are the same.
Yes... I just killed something with boric acid.
No. Boric Acid and Borax are different things. You can derive Boric Acid from Borax though.