Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Boric acid is a weak acid, with pK a (the pH at which buffering is strongest because the free acid and borate ion are in equal concentrations) of 9.24 in pure water at 25 °C. But apparent p K a is substantially lower in swimming pool or ocean waters because of interactions with various other molecules in solution.
Boric acid roach baits consist of a proprietary blend of attractants. These products are often sold at exterminator or pest supply houses. They are sold at most hardware stores and some big box home improvement or retail stores. Boric acid is harmful if taken in large quantities to humans, children and pets. [13]
Boric acid is only marginally more toxic to most lifeforms than normal table salt, with exposure in humans and other mammals widely regarded as being safe. Its use as an insecticide in malarial control (instead of compounds which demonstrate high levels of mammalian toxicity or carcinogenicity ) is thus seen as advantageous.
Boric acid can produce toxic effects, including death, if taken orally and/or at very high doses. [5] [8] The exact mechanism of action of boric acid as an antiseptic is unclear. [2] [6] [9] [10] Chemically, boric acid is a boron compound, or a compound containing the element boron, and is also known as trihydroxyboron. [11]
A review of the boron toxicity (as boric acid and borates) published in 2012 in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health concluded: "It clearly appears that human B [boron] exposures, even in the highest exposed cohorts, are too low to reach the blood (and target tissue) concentrations that would be required to exert adverse effects ...
Compared to other chemicals used for these purposes, it has the advantages of lack of odor, permanent effect, and low toxicity to humans and pets. [ 4 ] The compound was also shown to significantly reduce dust mite populations in the home when applied as a dilute solution to carpets and upholstery together with regular vacuum cleaning .
The international pictogram for chemicals that are sensitising, mutagenic, carcinogenic or toxic to reproduction. Reproductive toxicity refers to the potential risk from a given chemical, physical or biologic agent to adversely affect both male and female fertility as well as offspring development. [1]
In animals, boric acid/borate salts are essentially completely absorbed following oral ingestion. Absorption occurs via inhalation, although quantitative data are unavailable. Limited data indicate that boric acid/salts are not absorbed through intact skin to any significant extent, although absorption occurs through skin that is severely abraded.