An inorganic salt (H3BO3). An insecticidal powder used indoors for cockroach and ant control. Occurs in nature as the mineral, sessolite. Used for weatherproofing wood and fireproofing fabrics. Used externally on humans as an antiseptic, eye ointment, and antibacterial agent. Used extensively in industry for cements, glass, leather products, carpet, soaps, cosmetics, dyeing, printing, painting, and photography. If ingested by humans, may cause many toxic effects: vomiting, cramps, skin lesions, circulatory collapse, speeding up of the heart, and convulsions. Known to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity effects in mammals. A good candidate chemical for toxicity effects on worm regeneration. Very soluble in water.