Boric acid Facts for Kids

Boric acid is a special kind of acid that contains the element Boron. Its related chemical compounds are called Borates. Boric acid usually looks like a white, crystal-like powder.

It has many different uses, from helping to keep things clean to being used in factories.

What is Boric Acid Used For?
Safety Information
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What is Boric Acid Used For?

Boric acid is used in several ways:

Cleaning and Health: It can act as a disinfectant, which means it helps kill germs.
Keeping Food Fresh: Sometimes, it's used as a preservative to help food last longer. It's known as E number 284 when used this way.
Making Materials: It's a by-product (something left over) from making certain types of glass, porcelain, and shiny vitreous enamel coatings.
Fire Safety: It can be used as a Flame retardant to help stop things from catching fire easily.
Nuclear Power: When dissolved in water, boric acid can help control reactions in nuclear power plants by absorbing tiny particles called neutrons.

Safety Information

It's important to know that boric acid is not safe to eat or absorb into the body. Even small amounts can be harmful. For example, if someone absorbs or eats about 50 milligrams for every kilogram of their body weight, it can cause problems.

Because of its potential to cause harm, boric acid is on a special list in the European Union called REACH. In 2010, the European Chemicals Agency said it was a "Substance of very high concern". This means it needs to be handled very carefully. It's especially important to know that boric acid can be harmful if not handled properly, particularly for pregnant women or young children, as it can affect development. This is also true for products that contain a certain amount of boric acid (at least 5.5%).