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.

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.

References

• American Chemical Society
• USDA Forest Service
• British Columbia Centre for Disease Control