Boric Acid

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A new law is being enacted nationwide by the CPSC within the next year, and goes into effect in California January 1, which requires all mattresses to resist ignition from open flames.

The primary chemical used, as a flame retardant, is a poisonous pesticide called Boric Acid, yes exactly the same chemical shown at left (H3BO3). Our recent science gives us many more warnings on human exposure.

The EPA and CDC warn of Reproductive, Developmental, and Neurological Damage. It has many known health risks including, genital damage, brain damage, anemia, infertility, birth defects, and death, and at the very least may dry and irritate your skin and lungs.

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Boric acid and its sodium salts, all boron related compounds, generally refers to seven active ingredients, including:

boric acid
sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax decahydrate)
sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (borax pentahydrate)
sodium tetraborate (anhydrous borax)
disodium octaborate tetrahydrate
disodium octaborate (anhydrous)
sodium metaborate.

Boric acid was originally registered as a pesticide in the U.S. in 1948; there are currently 189 registered pesticide products on the market containing boric acid or one of its sodium salts as an active ingredient.(5)

While exposure to boric acid has been linked to adverse health effects, experts agree that careful application offers a less hazardous, more effective alternative to many pesticides, without the indoor air problems commonly associated with pesticide sprays.

Use and Mode of Action

Boric acid and its salts, borates, have been used in medicine as a bactericide, a fungicide, and an antiseptic since the 1860s.(3) It is used as a wettable powder, liquid (applied as a spray or aerosol), emulsifiable concentrate, granule, powders, dusts, pellets, tablets, paste, bait or crystalline rod depending upon the circumstances and target pest.(6)

As an insecticide, boric acid acts as a "stomach poison" for ants, cockroaches, silverfish and termites, and is most commonly used in a bait formulation containing a feeding attractant or as a dry powder. The powder can be injected into cracks and crevices, where it forms a fine layer of dust.

Insects travel through the powder, which adheres to their legs. When the insects groom themselves, they ingest the poison, which causes death due to starvation and dehydration 3-10 days later.

Boric acid can also abrade the exoskeletons of insects.(5) As long as the material is not allowed to become wet, its continuous presence ensures that hatching insects, which sprays commonly spare, are exposed and die as well.

Many insecticidal formulations contain a desiccant to protect the boric acid from airborne moisture. These formulations can be effective for more than a year.(3) When used as an herbicide, boric acid dessicates and/or interrupts photosynthesis in plants, or suppresses algae in swimming pools and sewage systems.

As a fungicide, boric acid can be used as a wood preservative that controls decay producing fungi in lumber and timber products.(5)

In agriculture, boric acid is used as an insecticide, herbicide and fungicide in food crops and orchards (6), and borates have also been utilized as a nutritional supplement for boron-loving crops, such as sugar beets and cabbage.(4)

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