Hi, Tina, I don't know why N.Y. would ban it, except it comes from borax, the majority of which is open-pit mined in Death Valley, so it's an environmental concern. Boric acid itself is relatively mild. Also, it needs to be away from pets and kids as it is toxic if ingested, but pesticides are majorly toxic. the information about boric acid posted below comes from Wikipedia.

also, you may want to have your husband read about the dangers of pesticides and perfumes; I've posted several articles about this on my blog Mother Earth Heals (http://curezone.com/blogs/description.asp?f=309), here are a few:

http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=309&i=65 Toxins in Perfume (and other scented products)

http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=309&i=61 Pesticides: Body Burden
http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=309&i=252 Pesticides: Glowing Photos
http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=309&i=251 Pesticides: A Mother's View
http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=309&i=249 Pesticides Cause Parkinson's Disease

also, about multiple chemical sensitivity--you may be very sensitive to pesticides and perfumes, which is a hallmark of this immune system disorder. If you do not have MCS, YOU DO NOT WANT TO DEVELOP IT! Belief you me, I've been living with it for over 20 years. You may want to take extra precautions around pesticides and other toxic chemicals, as you are already sensitive, so that your sensitivities do not get worse! I can not use nor be around pesticides of any kind, whereas I can tolerate boric acid--I take basic precautions not to get it on my skin as it is an irritant and stings.

Information about MCS:

http://www.ourlittleplace.com/mcs.html

http://www.mcsrr.org/

The Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:
http://web.health.gov/environment/mcs/toc.htm

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/mcss.htm

Curezone blog posted by Lapis: http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=28&i=7

Information about boric acid:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boric_acid


"Uses
It can be used as an antiseptic for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in dressings or salves or is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash. It is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled, although it is generally not considered to be much more toxic than table salt (based on its mammal LD50 rating of 2660mg/kg body mass).

Boric acid can be used to treat yeast and fungal infections such as candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) by filling gelcaps with boric acid powder and inserting two into the vaginal canal at bedtime for three to four nights in a row. It is also used as prevention of athlete's foot, by inserting powder in the socks or stockings, and in solution can be used to treat some kinds of otitis externa (ear infection) in both humans and animals. The preservative in urine sample bottles (red cap) in the UK is Boric acid.

It is often used as a relatively nontoxic insecticide, for killing cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas, and many other insects. It can be used directly in powdered form for fleas and cockroaches, or mixed with sugar or grape jelly for ants. It is also a component of many commercial insecticides. In this use, especially in the case of cockroaches, the boric acid in the form of a powder is applied to areas frequented by the insects. The lightweight particles cling to the legs of the insects and eventually cause fatal chemical burns. Boric acid for this use in residential apartments is sold commercially in urban areas afflicted with cockroaches."