Borates/Boric Acid
Quick Reference
What are Borates?
Borates are commonly found in a powdered form and used as residential cleaning agents and insecticides. Also found as both a powder and aqueous solution and used in metal and glass manufacturing, wood preservation, and an ingredient in fertilizers. PV suppositories of Boric Acid exist to treat bacterial vaginosis. The most dangerous chemical in this class is Sodium Perborate (monohydrate and tetrahydrate) which creates hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. It is used as an oxidizer and bleaching agent and may accelerate fires. Most common transport quantities are 25 Kg and 700 Kg sealed Polypropylene bag.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- For small exposures and small spills no staging or perimeter is required (most common).
- If large spill has occurred: 100 m perimeter for liquids or 25 m perimeter for solids (rare).
- If a large transport vessel (rail car or similar) is involved in a fire: 800 m perimeter (very rare).
- Additional Resources
- Small spills: no specialty resources required.
- Large spills will require fire department response.
- PPE requirements
- Gloves for patient care, add face shield or eye protection if assisting with decontamination.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Paramedics may meet the patient in a location with no ongoing risk of exposure.
- It is safe for paramedics to decontaminate and treat the patient themselves.
Effect on the Patient
Non-corrosive, primary mechanism of harm is toxicity following ingestion. Toxicity is dose-dependant, and significant toxicity is very rare, and is usually due to chronic ingestion. Toxic effects most significantly impact the kidney’s, liver and CNS. Inhalation may cause airway irritation and bronchospasm. Dermal or mucous membrane exposure to an oxidizing agent may cause chemical burns.
Patient Decontamination
For contact with skin or a wound flush thoroughly with water. If eye exposure has occurred flush with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. If irritation persists additional flushing is appropriate.
Patient Treatment
Aside from decontamination no specific pre-hospital treatment is indicated. Treat as per BCEHS CPGs. Consider contacting BC Poison control if ingested. The ingested dose/quantity is important information to obtain, if it’s available.
Safe Transfer of Care
No concern of secondary contamination. If a patient ingests it there is no harm to health care providers, standard contact precautions are sufficient when handling emesis or other bodily fluids.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
No special decontamination required, standard cleaning of the ambulance is sufficient.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |