Page 169 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

BORIC ACID

Words to Know

BRINE SOLUTION A solution that is compound or compounds present in a
saturated with or nearly saturated with mixture.
sodium chloride or other inorganic
FLUX A material that lowers the melting
salts.
point of another substance or mixture of
CHELATING AGENT An organic compound substances or that is used in cleaning a
that binds (‘‘grabs on to’’) some specific metal.

• To provide the finishing touches on the production of
leather and fur products;
• In the manufacture of latex paints; and
• In the nickel plating of metallic products.
Boric acid is toxic if swallowed. It causes nausea, vomit-
ing, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In extreme cases, it can
cause the collapse of the circulatory system, delirium, con-
vulsions, coma, and death. Ingestion of no more than 5 grams
(0.2 ounce) of boric acid can cause death in an infant. Inges-
tion of 15 to 20 grams (0.5 to 0.7 ounce) by an adult can also
be fatal. Boric acid can also cause irritation of the skin,
which, in extreme cases, can result in a condition known as
borism. Borism is characterized by dry skin, eruptions of the
skin and mucous membranes, and gastric disturbances.

FOR FURT H ER INFOR M ATIO N
‘‘Borax; Boric Acid, and Borates.’’ IPM of Alaska.
http://www.ipmofalaska.com/files/Borates.html (accessed on
October 12, 2005).
‘‘Boric Acid: Technical Description.’’ Manufacturas Los Andes.
http://www.mandes.com.ar/technic boric acid.php (accessed
on October 12, 2005).
Potter, Mike. ‘‘Cockroach Elimination.’’ University of Kentucky
Entomology.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/
ef614.htm (accessed on October 12, 2005).

118 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS