What are the side effects of boric Acid?
It is naturally present in soil, water, vegetables, most fruits, grains, and nuts. However, we wouldn't be able to tell, because boric acid crystals are odorless and essentially tasteless. Boric acid and its salts are used in many products such as pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, cosmetics, drugs, and natural health products. While boric acid benefits are many, too much exposure can be harmful.
It's not poisonous in very small amounts that occur in nature. However, boric acid is poisonous if swallowed or inhaled in large quantities. High concentrations can potentially lead to reproductive problems, possible kidney damage, endocrine disruption, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, allergic reaction, burning sensation, irritation, central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, CNS depression, diarrhea, rash, and vomiting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about boric acid
Can boric acid be used to cure a yeast infection?
Boric acid suppositories are a good option as a home treatment for yeast infections, because of their antifungal properties. Doctors often recommend the use of boric acid vagin*l suppositories for recurring yeast infections, to avoid the use of antifungal medications for extended periods. Boric acid for bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common use because of its antibacterial effects. Its mild acidic nature increases the acidity in the vagin* and makes the environment unsuitable for bacterial and fungal growth.
What are the possible health effects of boric acid exposure?
Although it is present in soil, water, and many fruits and vegetables naturally, we absorb only minute amounts that are quite safe. Exposure by inhalation can dry up the nose, throat, and mouth, and can cause sore throat, coughing, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. Borax, a form of boric acid used commonly in cleaning agents and personal care products, can be corrosive to eyes, and irritate sensitive or damaged skin, though it is not systemically absorbed from the skin.
Swallowing boric acid can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin peeling, rashes, and ulcers. Severe poisoning can cause kidney damage, seizures, coma, disruption of blood circulation, and death. Children are more susceptible to its ill effects than adults.
What is the recommended dose of boric acid pills?
Boric acid pills are gelatin capsules filled with boric acid powder. The dosage is usually about 600 mg of the powder in the capsule. One capsule can be inserted into the vagin* at bedtime every day for a week to treat yeast infection. In case of recurrent yeast infections, after two weeks of standard treatment, use a vagin*l suppository twice a week for 6 months to 1 year.
Although the pills are safe to use vagin*lly, check with your doctor before using them. They are available over the counter, and not regulated by the FDA. The pills can cause vagin*l irritation or burning sensation, and discharge. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have placed a capsule inside the vagin*. Do not use it if you are pregnant, or if you have broken skin that can come into contact with it. Do not swallow the pills, it can cause life-threatening adverse effects.
Are there any long-term hazards linked with using boric acid?
Research on long-term use did not find boric acid to be carcinogenic. Studies on people working with borax did not reveal any long-term respiratory ill effects from breathing in borax regularly, although it can be absorbed from inhalation. There is no evidence of boric acid being broken up in the body, most of it is eliminated in the urine within 4 days, but some amount may be deposited in the bones and to a lower extent in fatty tissues.
Ingesting boric acid for a long period can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, followed by fever, headache, tremors, twitching, lethargy, weakness, skin rashes, ulcers, and peeling. Long-term hazards from ingestion of large quantities include kidney and liver damage, central nervous system effects such as coma and seizures, low red blood cell count, and collapse of blood circulation, which can lead to death.
Can inhaling boric acid fumes cause adverse effects?
Boric acid by itself does not produce fumes, inhalation usually happens from boric powder dust in the air. Boric acid particles in the air do not break down but settle to the ground. It is not flammable, however, if heated, it may produce toxic fumes that can be inhaled. Inhalation of such fumes can irritate the nose, throat, and mouth, cause sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, nose bleed, and get absorbed into the lungs.
