What Is Boric Acid Used For?

Boric acid consists of oxygen, boron, and hydrogen.

Boric acid is a water-soluble colorless chemical found naturally. It is composed of oxygen, boron, and hydrogen. It is claimed to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. In this detailed reference, you'll learn about boric acid's uses, potential side effects, and poisoning risks.

Boric acid has multiple domestic and industrial uses and is present in many products. It is available over the counter in the USA. Always consult your healthcare provider before applying boric acid to any body part. It is irritating to the skin and may cause severe reactions.

Boric acid uses may include the following:

• Boric acid is often a part of homeopathic medicines used for treating vaginal discharge and itching. It is combined in minute amounts with friendly bacteria, and vitamin E. Boric acid vaginal suppositories can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• It is usually used in dilute solutions as a treatment for diaper rash, insect bites and stings, and sunburns.
• Boric acid is an effective pesticide for ants, cockroaches, rats, and flies.
• Boric acid is called a swimming pool chemical because it has proved to be highly useful for maintenance. It can help stabilize the pH level of water and prevent problems with algae. This product reduces the amount of chlorine needed in the pool. The compound can help to keep the water clear and sparkling. It is also used for clearing off fungi in the pool water.
• It is also helpful in treating various types of ear infections in both humans and pets (otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal). The use of boric acid in children is not recommended.
• It is also helpful in treating foul foot odor. A person suffering from excessively smelly feet can apply boric acid powder mixed with talc to the inner side of footwear.
• Boric acid when mixed with distilled water serves as a wound spray. The solution contains antiseptic properties that help in treating minor wounds such as cuts and burns. This must not be used too frequently.
• Urine sample bottles often contain boric acid as a preservative, which maintains the quality of the specimen as it travels to the lab. Clear bottles tend to have a small amount of boric acid powder at the bottom. Research shows that the addition of this substance lowers false-positive results. It also preserves the white blood cells in the urine for analysis.
• You can get rid of tough stains on clothes by adding it to regular detergent while doing laundry.
• It is used to remove dirt and odor from kitchens and bathrooms.
• Due to its flame-retardant properties, boric acid is extensively used in the manufacture of furniture, mattresses, and insulation. It is helpful in the preservation of timbers against fungal and insect attacks.
• It is used industrially for the manufacture of fiberglass, household glass products, and glass used in liquid crystal display (LCD). To produce glass with better chemical and high-temperature resistance, boric acid is applied to glass products.
• It serves as an excellent cleaner for all types of molds, and to get rid of insects such as ants, cockroaches, silverfish, fleas, and others.
• Boric acid is also used in leather manufacture, and it is used in the jewelry industry in combination with denatured alcohol.
• It is also used for welding flux by blacksmiths.
• Mixing it with petroleum or vegetable oil works as an excellent lubricant that can be used on ceramic or metal surfaces. It can also be used to lubricate carrom boards for faster and smoother play.
• Manufacturers use boric acid in various products such as enamels, pesticides, glazes, and paints.
• Boric acid is widely used to treat boron deficiencies in plants.

It is naturally present in soil, water, vegetables, most fruits, grains, and nuts. However, we wouldn't be able to tell, because boric acid crystals are odorless and essentially tasteless. Boric acid and its salts are used in many products such as pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, cosmetics, drugs, and natural health products. While boric acid benefits are many, too much exposure can be harmful.

It's not poisonous in very small amounts that occur in nature. However, boric acid is poisonous if swallowed or inhaled in large quantities. High concentrations can potentially lead to reproductive problems, possible kidney damage, endocrine disruption, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, allergic reaction, burning sensation, irritation, central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, CNS depression, diarrhea, rash, and vomiting.

Can boric acid be used to cure a yeast infection?

Boric acid suppositories are a good option as a home treatment for yeast infections, because of their antifungal properties. Doctors often recommend the use of boric acid vaginal suppositories for recurring yeast infections, to avoid the use of antifungal medications for extended periods. Boric acid for bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common use because of its antibacterial effects. Its mild acidic nature increases the acidity in the vagina and makes the environment unsuitable for bacterial and fungal growth.

What are the possible health effects of boric acid exposure?

Although it is present in soil, water, and many fruits and vegetables naturally, we absorb only minute amounts that are quite safe. Exposure by inhalation can dry up the nose, throat, and mouth, and can cause sore throat, coughing, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. Borax, a form of boric acid used commonly in cleaning agents and personal care products, can be corrosive to eyes, and irritate sensitive or damaged skin, though it is not systemically absorbed from the skin.

Swallowing boric acid can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin peeling, rashes, and ulcers. Severe poisoning can cause kidney damage, seizures, coma, disruption of blood circulation, and death. Children are more susceptible to its ill effects than adults.

What is the recommended dose of boric acid pills?

Boric acid pills are gelatin capsules filled with boric acid powder. The dosage is usually about 600 mg of the powder in the capsule. One capsule can be inserted into the vagina at bedtime every day for a week to treat yeast infection. In case of recurrent yeast infections, after two weeks of standard treatment, use a vaginal suppository twice a week for 6 months to 1 year.

Although the pills are safe to use vaginally, check with your doctor before using them. They are available over the counter, and not regulated by the FDA. The pills can cause vaginal irritation or burning sensation, and discharge. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have placed a capsule inside the vagina. Do not use it if you are pregnant, or if you have broken skin that can come into contact with it. Do not swallow the pills, it can cause life-threatening adverse effects.

Are there any long-term hazards linked with using boric acid?

Research on long-term use did not find boric acid to be carcinogenic. Studies on people working with borax did not reveal any long-term respiratory ill effects from breathing in borax regularly, although it can be absorbed from inhalation. There is no evidence of boric acid being broken up in the body, most of it is eliminated in the urine within 4 days, but some amount may be deposited in the bones and to a lower extent in fatty tissues.

Ingesting boric acid for a long period can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, followed by fever, headache, tremors, twitching, lethargy, weakness, skin rashes, ulcers, and peeling. Long-term hazards from ingestion of large quantities include kidney and liver damage, central nervous system effects such as coma and seizures, low red blood cell count, and collapse of blood circulation, which can lead to death.

Can inhaling boric acid fumes cause adverse effects?

Boric acid by itself does not produce fumes, inhalation usually happens from boric powder dust in the air. Boric acid particles in the air do not break down but settle to the ground. It is not flammable, however, if heated, it may produce toxic fumes that can be inhaled. Inhalation of such fumes can irritate the nose, throat, and mouth, cause sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, nose bleed, and get absorbed into the lungs.