Boric Acid Safety
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Boric Acid safety is determined by the potential risks of the material. Whilst Boric Acid has generally been regarded as one of the ‘safer’ substances and has often been used domestically in the household control of cockroaches and ants, significant changes in the classification of Boric Acid are effective from 1 December 2010.
The legislation regarding Boric Acid safety is due to significant changes effective from 1 December 2010 in accordance with Regulation EC Number 1272.2008. The reason for the change in Boric Acid safety requirements is due to a reclassification of Boric Acid in accordance with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Regulations. These new classifications are listed in Table 3.1 (list of harmonised classification and labelling of hazardous substances) of Annex VI, Part 3, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
When Boric Acid is used to control and elminiate insect infestations, the substance acts as a stomach poison by changing the insects metabolism and is effective is controlling fleas, ants, cockroaches, termites, red ants and silverfish. However, significant changes to the classification of Boric Acid from 1 December 2010 will affect many elements of Boric Acid safety.
Boric Acid ‘bait’ can be laid to attract insects which then take the substance back to their nests, potentially eliminating entire colonies of ants and other insect infestations. The ‘bait’ consists of cotton wool balls soaked in a mixture of 1 x teaspoon powdered Boric Acid and 10 x teaspoons sugar dissolved in about 500 ml water. The soaked cotton wool balls are left near ant trails for them to carry back to carry back into the ant nest.
As with any other chemical product, care should be taken when using and handling the material. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be read and understood before handling the material which should only be used by a competent person. Keep Boric Acid away from children and animals. Ensure that necessary precautions are taken before handling the product, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including protective clothing, eye protection, safety footwear and gloves.
Long-term exposure to Boric Acid can result in kidney damage, leading eventually to renal failure. Up to 1 December 2010 Boric Acid is classified by the EC as Repro-toxic Category 2 due to the risks it presents to the foetus. Risk Phrases R60 ‘may impair fertility’ and R61 ‘may cause harm to the unborn child’ now apply to Boric Acid. Boric Acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities.
From 1 December 2010 Boric Acid is listed under the Index Number 005-007-00-2, with the signal word DANGER on the label. From 1 December Boric Acid safety relates to its reclassification as Category 1B Reproductive Toxicant. This is based on data from animal studies which provide clear evidence of an adverse effect on sexual function and fertility or on development in the absence of other toxic effect on sexual function.
From 1 December 2010 Boric Acid carries the Hazard Statement H360FD (May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child). This will apply when Boric Acid is in mixtures at a concentration of greater than or equal to 5.5%
For further information on the potential hazards of Boric acid and how best to pack, label and transport the material, please refer to the relevant pages of this website entitled Boric Acid Hazards, Boric Acid Packing, Boric Acid Labelling and Transporting Boric Acid.
http://www.boric-acid.co.uk/boric-acid-safety | Saved Thursday, November 17th, 2011 - 12:07 PM