Formic acid is a natural defense product whose special properties can also be useful for humans. Here you can find out everything about the acid.
Formic acid: properties and occurrence
Formic acid, also known as formic acid, is a colourless, clear and corrosive liquid. As the name suggests, it is part of the substance that ants produce to defend themselves against natural enemies. The acid accounts for up to 50 percent of the insect’s body weight.
But not only ants use formic acid to ward off enemies or to attack – it is widespread in nature. For example, scorpions and jellyfish use their caustic effect, as do some plants. The most famous example is probably the stinging nettle. Their stinging hairs are filled with nettle poison, which consists of formic acid, among other things. Even tobacco and honey contain small amounts of formic acid. How corrosive the liquid is depends on the dosage.
In addition, formic acid should:
have a strong and pungent odor,
irritate the skin and mucous membranes,
be highly flammable and water soluble,
Good to know: Formic acid used to be obtained directly from ants, but today it is only produced synthetically. So insects no longer have to die for it.
Formic acid: application and special features
Formic acid has a useful function not only in the animal kingdom. Humans have also discovered the peculiarities of acid for themselves.
Formic acid is said to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other germs. Because of this special feature, the acid is often used as a disinfectant and preservative for fish, fruit and vegetables. In the meantime, however, formic acid is no longer permitted as a food additive in Germany.
Beekeepers also use the antibacterial effect of formic acid. It also helps fight mites. The small parasites can weaken and even kill the bees. Thus, mites are partly responsible for the enormous death of bees. Affected bees also become less efficient and can produce less honey. Formic acid is an effective antidote.
Formic acid also fulfills an important function in the chemical industry. Manufacturers use them to stain and impregnate leather and many other textiles.
Another important area of ​​application is homeopathy. Here the formic acid is used as an allergy agent. In the case of an allergy, your body reacts with defense reactions to actually harmless substances in the environment. By taking diluted formic acid as a stimulant, your immune system is supposed to be stimulated before the allergy season. This allows the immune system to regulate itself and return to normal. This is to prevent an allergic reaction. Common areas of application in homeopathy are hay fever, bronchial asthma and allergic skin reactions.
Medicine uses formic acid as an antirheumatic agent, as it is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used against warts. Formic acid is also said to promote blood circulation. Therefore, it is also used for the external treatment of muscle and joint complaints – but sufficiently diluted, otherwise the acid can cause skin irritation and chemical burns.
