Boric Acid
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Boric Acid is a weak acid which is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide and flame retardant. It is easily dissolved in water and appears as a white powder or colourless crystals. H3BO3 is the chemical formulation for Boric Acid. This is also written as B(OH)3.
Boric Acid appears naturally in volcanic areas such as those found in Tuscany, Nevada and the Lipari Islands. Boric Acid and Boric Acid salts are also present in seawater, many plants and almost all fruits. When occurring as a mineral, Boric Acid is commonly known as Sassolite.
The history of Boric Acid can be traced back to the mid 1600’s when it was first prepared by Wilhelm Homberg from Borax, at which time it was given the name sal sedativum Hombergi or ‘the sedative of Homberg’. However, earlier uses of Boric Acid can be traced back to Ancient Greece when it was widely used for cleaning purposes and for preserving food.
Boric Acid is listed under the Index Number 005-007-00-2. Up to 1 December 2010, Boric Acid is classified at Category 2 Reproductive Toxin, Repr. Cat 2; R60-61 (May impair fertility. May cause harm to the unborn child).
From 1 December 2010 the legislation covering the classification of Boric Acid changes and Boric Acid is classified as Category 1B Reproductive Toxicant as there is evidence to suggest that Boric Acid can be harmful to foetal development. From 1 December 2010 Boric Acid is still listed under the Index Number 005-007-00-2 but carries the Hazard Statement H360FD (May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child). This applies when Boric Acid is in mixtures at a concentration of greater than or equal to 5.5%.
Boric Acid has a wide range of uses relating to its antiseptic qualities. It is used as an antiseptic and in dressings and salves. It is also used to treat acne and to treat yeast and fungal infections. Athlete’s foot can be prevented by using Boric Acid powder in the sock. In dilute form, Boric Acid is used in eyewash solutions.
Boric Acid was first registered as an insecticide in 1948 to control cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas and silverfish. It acts by poisoning the insect’s stomach and changing its metabolism. Boric Acid is fairly safe to use in home kitchens to control cockroaches and ants. ‘Ant bait’ can be made by dissolving a teaspoon of Boric Acid and 2 teaspoons of sugar in 2 cups of water. Cotton wool balls can be soaked in this solution and then left near ant trails. The ants will be attracted to the sugar in the solution, and will carry it back to the next, killing any ants that eat it and possibly destroying the entire colony.
Boric Acid can also be used as a preventative and treatment for wet and dry rot in timbers. When mixed with Ethylene Glycol, it effectively treats wood against fungal and insect attack. Concentrates of Borate-based products can be used in marine environments to help prevent slim and algae growth. Boric Acid is also used to help cure skins in tanneries.
The widest use of Boric Acid in industry is in the manufacture of monofilament fibreglass or textile fibreglass. This is used to reinforce plastics. Boric Acid is also used in nuclear plants as a neutron poison which slows down the rate at which fission occurs. Boric Acid is also used in the production of glass in LCD flat panel displays and in the electroplating industry.
A more unusual use of Boric Acid is to dissolve Boric Acid in Methanol which is then lit. This makes the flames of the fire turn green and is widely used as a special effect, particularly in the film industry and by fire jugglers. Synonyms of Boric Acid include H3BO3, B(OH)3, Orthoboric Acid, Boracic Acid, Sassolite, Optibor and Borofax, some of which are proprietary brand names.
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