Common uses of boric acid
What is boric acid, and what is it used for?
Boric acid is a mild acid made from boron, a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, and water.
Chemically, it’s written as H₃BO₃; in its pure form, it looks like a white, odorless powder or crystals and has been used for well over a century.
Common uses of boric acid:
1. Household pest control.
Widely used to kill ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and termites.
Works by disrupting the insect's digestive systems and nervous systems.
Often mixed into baits rather than sprayed.
2. Antiseptic and medical uses (limited)
Mild antiseptic for minor cuts or burns (less common today)
Sometimes used in eye wash solutions (very dilute)
Used in certain vaginal treatments (for recurrent yeast infections, under medical guidance)
3. Household and cleaning products:
Found in some laundry detergents and cleaners,
Helps control mould, mildew, and odours,
Acts as a buffering agent to stabilize pH,
4. Industrial and manufacturing uses:
Used in making glass and ceramics, especially heat-resistant glass,
Important in fibreglass, enamels, and glazes,
Used in metalworking and as a corrosion inhibitor,
5. Personal care products:
Appears in small amounts in some cosmetics, creams, and powders,
Helps control bacteria and maintain product stability,
Safety notes:
Toxic if swallowed in large amounts, especially for children and pets,
Can irritate skin if used too frequently or in high concentrations,
Should never be used internally unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional,
In simple terms:
Boric acid is a versatile, low-cost compound used mainly for pest control, cleaning, manufacturing, and limited medical purposes, but it must be handled carefully.
Thank you for reading,
Tim.
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