In article ,
says...
The MSDS for Boric Acid is at:

http://www.sqmna.com/industrial/prod..._acid_msds.pdf

"INGESTION
Ingestion of one teaspoon or less by a healthy adult will cause no harm.
If larger amounts are ingested, drink two glasses of water and seek
medical attention."

It is not a carcinogen. The LD 50 is considered 4 gm/kg or almost a
pound for a 200 lb. person so to call it toxic is a gross exaggeration.
The LD 50 for a food called salt is the same.


The problem with the LD50 on the MSDS supplied by that chemical company
is that it is the LD50 for rabbits, not rats, which is usually the norm
when making comparisons to other products. The LD50 of table salt with
rabbits is probably greater 10000 rather than 3300 for rats. The LD50
for boric acid with rats will be 2660 rather than 4000 with rabbits. The
other figure it doesn't state is the LDlo, the lowest amount known to be
a lethal dose. For human it is 429 mg/kg which would mean that though
there is a 50% chance of death for a 200 lb man eating anywheres from
over a half pound to almost a pound of boric acid (ld50 of 2600-4000
mg/kg, death can happen by him eating 2 and 3/4 tablespoons (not quite
an 1 1/2 ounces). Though it may not be as toxic as many cleansers under
the cabinet, care should be taken. If a toddler swallows a pinch of it
that might be sprinkled under a kitchen sink for roaches and ants, it
will be a trip to the hospital.
--
Lar

to email....get rid of the BUGS