Boric Acid Uses
Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound containing the elements hydrogen, boron and oxygen (H3BO3). In nature, the element boron does not exist by itself. Boron is combined with other common elements, such as oxygen to make boric acid and with sodium to make salts like borax. Boron is considered to be an essential micronutrient for plants and perhaps humans. Boron in the diet mostly comes from the boric acid naturally present in most foods. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts are particularly high in boron. In fact, the average person eats between one to three milligrams of boron every day as part of a normal healthy diet. Boric acid also occurs naturally in water and soil.
Borates (the general term associated with boron containing minerals such as borax and boric acid) most commonly originate in dried salt lake beds of deserts or in arid areas or other geographic regions that expose similar deposits
| Industry | Use |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics | It is a mild antiseptic that inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the external surfaces of the body. |
| It can be used for minor cuts and burns. | |
| It is used in contact lens solutions | |
| It is used in eye disinfectants | |
| It is used in vaginal remedies | |
| It is used in baby powder | |
| It is used in anti-aging preparations | |
| Nutritional Supplements | It is used in over-the counter nutritional supplements as a source of boron. |
| Flame Retardants | Futons, upholstered furniture, insulation, mattresses, and gypsum board are common consumer items that use boric acid as a flame retardant. |
| Textiles, Plastics, specialty coatings, and other industrial products also contain boric acid to strengthen their ability to withstand exposure to flames. | |
| Glass and Fibreglass | heat resistant, borosilicate, and other specialty glasses rely on boric acid to increase the chemical and temperature resistance of the glass. |
| Ovenware, halogen light bulbs, laboratory glassware, microwavable glassware, and many everyday glass items are enhanced by it. | |
| It also aids in the manufacture of fibreglass, which is used as insulation as well as in textile fibreglass. | |
| Wood Preservatives | It is a common source of boron compounds when used in the formulation of products that control fungus and insects. |
| Swimming Pools | It is used in swimming pools and spas as a safer and softer feeling substitute for chlorine. |
| Pest Control | It is a natural and increasingly popular insect control product. Unlike hornet or ant sprays, it does not kill bugs on contact using highly toxic chemicals. Rather, it acts as a desiccant that dehydrates many insects by causing tiny cracks or fissures in their exoskeletons. This eventually dries them out. The saltiness of boric acid also interferes with their very simple electrolytic metabolism. |
| Ear Wash for Dogs | It can be mixed with vinegar, witch hazel and gentian violet to make an ear wash for dogs with a minor ear infection. |