Boric acid, also known as borate or borax, has a number of uses, including service as a pesticide for cockroaches and ants. Although contact or consumption of boric acid could result in symptoms of poisoning, medical studies show that boric acid may have benefits to your health when used in particular ways. Understanding the potential uses for boric acid, as well as signs of poisoning, may help you understand the role of this compound in relation to your health.
Studies
In 2009, researchers at the University of Trieste in Italy examined the use of boric acid in the treatment of vaginitis. They determined that the effectiveness of boric acid in treating this condition stems from the antifungal properties.
The department of biomedical engineering at Stony Brook University in New York evaluated the response human melanoma cells have to boric acid. This 2009 study concluded that the antioxidant properties of boric acid could prevent spreading of these cancer cells and may possibly encourage the cells' death.
Although studies show potential value of boric acid in treating certain health conditions, these benefits may not outweigh the possible risk of poisoning. Continued research will help determine the risks and rewards of medications containing this potentially harmful substance.
Sources
Products containing boric acid may contain a variety of other chemicals, and you should take care not to ingest these products. If you have boric acid that does not contain any other chemical component, you should still not consume or breathe in this chemical. You should also avoid using boric acid products in your garden or around your home to prevent potential poisoning.
Common products that may contain boric acid include paint, pesticides, photo development chemicals and antiseptics. Labels will typically list the chemicals found in the products.
Poisoning Symptoms
Ingesting toxic quantities of boric acid may cause symptoms such as nausea, blue-green vomit, fever, low blood pressure and a rash, explains MedlinePlus. You may also experience muscle spasms in your face, fatigue, convulsions or coma.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has had exposure to or has ingested boric acid, seek medical care immediately.
Considerations
Boric acid may have medical uses, but you should take precautions against ingesting pesticides or other products with this component. Wash your produce thoroughly, particularly if you know boric acid or other chemicals may have come in contact with your fruits or vegetables. Taking these preventative measures will help reduce any risk associated with boric acid poisoning from food consumption.
References
- MedlinePlus: Boric Acid Poisoning
- Beyond Pesticides: Boric Acid/Borates/Borax
- “Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology”; The Effects of Some Boron Compounds Against Heavy Metal Toxicity in Human Blood; H. Turkez, et al.; July 2010
- “Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy”; Antifungal Mechanisms Supporting Boric Acid Therapy of Candida Vaginitis; February 2009
- “The Analyst”; Assessment of the Chemical Changes Induced in Human Melanoma Cells by Boric Acid Treatment Using Infrared Imaging; A. S. Acerbo, et al.; August 2009
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