Boric acid is a chemical compound used in a wide variety of household substances, ranging from insect agents to first aid and cosmetic compounds. This compound is highly poisonous and can cause symptoms in any part of the body which it has come into contact.
Boric Acid Defined
Boric acid is a compound ( its chemical composition is H3BO3) which is used in fireproofing compounds, enamels, cements and cosmetics. This is a dangerous chemical which can cause death. Frequent exposure can cause "chronic" boric acid poisoning and if an individual has swallowed something with this chemical, he will develop "acute" boric acid poisoning.
Identification
In industries, such as insect and rodent extermination, boric acid is an ingredient in roach powders and rodent and ant pesticides. Other industries which use boric acid are paint manufacturers, photography chemical manufacturers and glass fiber manufacturers. According to Healthline, this compound is still used in some eye washes, antiseptics and medicated powders. In the cosmetic and skin care industry, boric acid is used in some skin lotions and astringents.
Symptoms
According to the Pesticide Action Network and Healthline, reviewed by Dr. Eric Perez, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York, symptoms of boric acid which appear on the skin include irritation, an exfoliative (peeling) rash, a bright red (erythermatous) rash which looks "beefy" red on the palms of his hands, soles of his feet, scrotum and buttocks and blisters. Respiratory poisoning symptoms include irritation of the respiratory tract and respiratory depression (slowed breathing) if he has breathed a powder form of the poison.
Symptoms Continued
The Pesticide Action Network and Healthline both state that gastrointestinal symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, blue-green vomiting and low or no urine output. Central nervous system symptoms include lethargy and headaches (although these don't appear in every poisoning victim), twitching muscles in the face, legs, arms, hands and feet and convulsions. Other symptoms might include fever and renal failure.
First Aid Treatments
The Pesticide Action Network recommends that for skin irritation symptoms, the victim should remove her contaminated clothing and rinse her skin, then wash with soap and water. Once this has been done, she should be seen immediately by a physician for evaluation and treatment. For respiratory symptoms of boric acid poisoning, she should be immediately removed from the contaminated area and taken into the fresh air. Again, she should be seen by a doctor. For gastrointestinal symptoms, she should completely rinse her mouth and be seen by a doctor for treatment. For central nervous system and renal system involvement, the victim should be seen by a doctor so medically-indicated treatment can be started right away.
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