Boric Acid Powder Hazards
Boric acid is used in very small concentrations in very specific medical applications, in much higher concentrations as an insecticide and as a preservative in timber and some animal hide treatments. Despite its varied uses, is it chemically very similar to borax, which is commonly used as a cleaning agent. It can be hazardous if ingested, inhaled or exposed to the eyes or skin and precautions and consideration should be taken when handling it.
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Acute Health Effects
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Boric acid is potentially harmful if inhaled or absorbed, though it does have the potential to inflict other damage as well. It acts as an irritant if exposed to the eyes or skin, or to the lungs if inhaled. The National Institutes of Health lists the primary symptoms of boric acid ingestion as blue-green vomit and diarrhea, and a bright red rash when exposed to the skin.
Long-Term Health Effects
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No information is available on boric acid as a carcinogen, but it does act as a mutagen for bacteria and/or yeast. It is also classified as being a reproductive system toxin, and potentially toxic to the kidneys, cardiovascular system and central nervous system with repeated prolonged exposure.
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Fire and Other Hazards
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Boric acid is decidedly non-flammable and relatively inert. However, potassium may react explosively on impact with boric acid, and acetic anhydride explodes when mixed with boric acid and heated to between 58 and 60 degrees Celsius.
First Aid: Eye and Skin Exposure
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If your eyes are exposed to boric acid, remove contact lenses, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If skin is exposed, flush thoroughly with water, wash with antibacterial soap and cover exposed area with anti-bacterial cream, and seek medical attention. Remove any exposed clothes and wash before you wear them again.
First Aid: Inhalation and Ingestion
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If boric acid is inhaled, move victim to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if necessary and seek medical attention. Oxygen should be used if breathing is difficult. In the case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting unless medical personnel directs you to do so.
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