Boric acid

Boric acid, a common ingredient in many household and hygienic products can, when overused or consumed, cause skin reactions, hair loss and serious illness,

Where Found

• Antiseptics and astringents
• Enamels and glazes
• Glass fiber manufacturing
• Medicated powders
• Skin lotions
• Some paints
• Some rodent and ant pesticides
• Photography chemicals
• Powders to kill roaches

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of boric acid poisoning are blue-green vomit, diarrhea, and a bright red rash on the skin. Other symptoms may include:

• Blisters
• Collapse
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Lack of desire to do anything
• Low blood pressure
• Significantly decreased urine output (or none)
• Sloughing of skin
• Twitching of facial muscles, arms, hands, legs, and feet