Is Borax Harmful?

Borax, Na₂B₄O₇‧10 H₂O, is a compound of the element boron. It is abundant in the Death Valley region of California. While useful in many ways, in some situations borax can be harmful.

  1. Common Uses

    • In industry and in the home, borax is used in detergents, fluxes, glass and glazes. It is also used as a chemical buffer, fire retardant, anti-fungal agent and insecticide.

    Successful Merchandising

    • Borax became associated with heavy-duty working power when it was labeled as "20 Mule Team Borax," a brand now owned by Dial Corporation.

    Physiologically Interesting Properties

    • In borates, boron is bonded to oxygen. The human body is not able to metabolize them, since the boron-to-oxygen bond requires too much energy. Borates are excreted unmetabolized in urine.

    Chronic Health Risks

    • Relatively non-toxic to animal and birds, chronic levels of borates in humans pose risks to a developing fetus and to the male reproductive system.

    Acute Health Risks

    • Acute symptoms of ingesting borax include headache, fever, red eyes, nausea and vomiting. Large amounts can cause kidney failure, sometimes resulting in death. A dosage of five grams can kill a small child.

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