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Health Effects of Boric Acid

Boric acid, also known as boracic acid, is a water-soluble chemical compound. It has been used as a mild acid since the 1700s. Boric acid is harmful to humans and other animals.

  1. Emergency Overview

    • Boric acid is harmful to health because of its high levels of toxicity. If inhaled or swallowed, it can cause rashes on the skin, as well as vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

    Serious Health Hazards

    • Boric acid also can cause more serious complications, including irritation to the mucus membrane of the respiratory tract, blisters, low blood pressure, a drop in body temperature, cyanosis, kidney damage, coma and death.

    Poison

    • Boric acid is a deadly poison. Poisoning from boric acid could be acute or chronic. Acute poisoning occurs when somebody swallows pesticides that contain boric acid. Chronic poisoning occurs when someone is exposed to low levels of boric acid for an extended period.

    Skin Contact

    • Boric acid is quickly absorbed by damaged or burned skin. Chronic exposure of boric acid to skin can cause severe skin irritations.

    Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions

    • People with pre-existing eye problems or skin disorders or impaired kidney, liver or intestinal problems might be more vulnerable to the effects of boric acid.

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