Boric acid and sodium borate have been used for many years in a variety of products as antiseptics and as fungistatic agents in baby talcum powder. Boric acid powder (99%) is still used as a pesticide against ants and cockroaches. In the past, repeated and indiscriminate application of boric acid to broken or abraded skin resulted in many cases of severe poisoning. Epidemics have also occurred after boric acid was added mistakenly to infant formula or used in food preparation. Although chronic toxicity seldom occurs now, acute ingestion by children at home is more common.

Other boron-containing compounds with similar toxicity include boron oxide and orthoboric acid (sassolite).

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   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
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      The mechanism of borate poisoning is unknown. Boric acid is not highly corrosive but is irritating to mucous membranes. It probably acts as a general cellular poison. The organ systems most commonly affected are the skin, GI tract, brain, liver, and kidneys.

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