|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

What Is Boric Acid Found In?

Use of boric acid can be traced as far back as ancient Greece, where it was used as a method for fireproofing cloth. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, boric acid was used as a food preservative; this practice was stopped when it was found that its use could be fatal. However, today many products contain boric acid. It is used safely and effectively in medical and industrial applications, and also appears in insecticides and cosmetics, and as an ingredient in flame retardant.

  1. Insecticide

    • In a powder form, boric acid is an all-around effective insecticide, but is commonly used as a roach killer. It has also been shown to work safely and effectively in controlling termites. Wood imported from South American mills in the 1970's was used as framing wood for houses but was found to be infested with beetles upon arrival. After treating the infested homes with boric acid, lumber mills started pretreating the wood with it before it was shipped. Boric acid powder is also effective in controlling silverfish, carpenter ants and fleas. Because boric acid works by changing the pH of the insect, it is safer to use than other chemical powders and sprays.

    Medical Uses

    • Boric acid has been found useful in a variety of medical applications such as antiseptics, as well as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Some eyewash solutions contain boric acid as do those used for pinkeye and eye infections. Eardrops with boric acid are used by swimmers to prevent fungal infections. Boric acid used in foot powder helps control sweating and foot odor. It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for vaginal yeast infections.

    Industrial Uses

    • The industrial uses for boric acid are varied. Nuclear power plants reduce the rate of fission by adding boric acid to the reactor coolant. Surface oxidation from soldering is reduced with the combination of boric acid and denatured alcohol. It is also used in the production of ovenproof glassware and fiberglass. A green sparkle coming off fireworks is achieved by adding the powder, and granular boric acid is used in photograph-processing chemicals.

    In Cosmetics

    • In many cosmetic products boric acid is used to help maintain pH levels when acids or bases are added. Partly because its powder is white or colorless, many creams and lotions, as well as hair and skin-care products, contain boric acid. It also helps prevent emulsions from separating, and as an additive it helps control the thickness of liquid in cosmetics.

    Flame Retardant

    • Many flame-retardant polyurethane foams use boric acid as the active anti-flame ingredient. Flame-resistant polyurethane foams are used as thermal and sound insulations. Boric acid can be mixed with borax and water to make an effective flame retardant for use on children's clothing, mattresses and drapes. The directions for this use can be found in the resources below.

Public Health - Related Articles