Is Borax Safe in DIYs for Your Home?

Borax has long been hailed as a non-toxic pesticide that not only serves to kill ants and roaches but is also utilized in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and cosmetics. It turns out, however, that this naturally occurring mineral salt derived from boron is not as innocuous as initially predicted. In fact, studies indicate that ingesting and inhaling borax can lead to a host of major adverse effects, ranging from respiratory issues to digestive problems. Additionally, applying it topically can cause skin irritations such as eczema and a stinging sensation. What’s more, the mineral is also a common ingredient in kids’ slime recipes. We know from research that children are at an increased risk of borax side effects, and even small doses can be extremely toxic when ingested. It seems that sodium borate cannot be considered safe, and when used for household cleaning or as a pesticide, certain serious precautions must be taken.

Borax is a white mineral powder commonly used for home cleaning and laundry. The alkaline powder, also known as sodium tetraborate or sodium borate, is a salt of boric acid. The name “borax” stems from the word “borak,” which means white in Persian. This mineral has been employed for centuries as a flux for soldering. Research reveals that, today, around 75 percent of the world’s supply of borax is mined in Southern California, where it was discovered in the 1860s. Borax is a boron compound that is white, powdery, and soluble in water. You can readily find powdered sodium borate for sale in home or department stores. In household products, sodium borate is used to remove stains, mildew, and mold. It is also utilized in laundry detergents as a whitening and odor-neutralizing agent. Perhaps the most well-known use of borax is as a pesticide. Although it has been deemed relatively low in toxicity, studies suggest that simply inhaling the mineral powder can result in some serious side effects.

Borax vs. Boric Acid vs. Sodium Borate

The chemical name for borax is sodium tetraborate, or sodium borate. They are essentially the same thing. Boric acid is manufactured from several borate minerals and brines, including borax. Boric acid is produced by combining sodium borate with a strong mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid. It is a common misconception that these substances have the same chemical makeup, but in reality, they do not. Boric acid is not a naturally occurring substance; it is created by reacting borax with a mineral acid. Boric acid is a white crystalline, oxygen-bearing acid derived from boron. It is commonly used for pest control but is also present in antiseptic agents, medicated powders, skin lotions, eyewash products, and paints. Boric acid can be toxic at much lower doses than borax when ingested. Moreover, research suggests that the chemical is linked to endocrine disruption.

Popular Uses

Borax is commonly used in cleaning products due to its disinfecting and whitening properties. Beyond house cleaning, the mineral salt is employed for numerous other purposes, including the following: pest/insect control, laundry cleaner and stain removal, odor neutralizer, mold and mildew remover, an anti-fungal compound in foot soaks, in enamel glazes, as a fire retardant, as a texturing and thickening agent in food products, as a water-softening agent, as a melting agent in welding iron and steel, as a component in glass, ceramics, and pottery, as a buffering agent in pools, and in fireworks to create a green tint. Sodium borate can be found in many cosmetic products such as body lotions, shampoos, and bath bombs. It is used in these products as an emulsifying and buffering agent, as well as a preservative. The mineral salt is also combined with glue to make kids’ slime, but many articles have pointed out the potential toxic effects from this combination. Parents have been advised to use borax-free slime recipes instead.

Is Borax Safe?

According to the National Institutes of Health’s Toxicology Data Network, exposure to sodium borate may cause adverse side effects in some cases. Studies have found that borax side effects can include the following: irritation. Using borax topically on the skin, hair, and eyes can lead to skin reactions such as eczema, a stinging sensation, flushed skin, and dermatitis. respiratory issues. Long-term industrial exposure to borax has resulted in inflammation of the mucus membranes, leading to conditions like bronchitis and laryngitis. Additionally, borax workers have experienced dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat; dry cough; nosebleeds; sore throat; shortness of breath; and chest tightness. digestive problems. High doses of sodium borate have caused gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. reproductive effects. Animal studies indicate that sodium borate may be toxic to reproduction and development at high doses. Fatal doses of borax for humans are estimated to be five to six grams for children and 10-25 grams for adults, according to research published in “Toxicology”. It is true that many of these sodium borate side effects are caused by high doses or workplace exposure, but there have been reports of adverse events after topical uses, even from cosmetics containing the mineral. A concern among parents is that borax is commonly used as an ingredient in homemade slime recipes. This means that children are coming into contact with the mineral salt, and it can be ingested through hand-to-mouth transfer. Since ingesting borax can be fatal for children at doses of five to 10 grams, it is crucial that children do not have access to the substance in any way. This includes not playing with borax slime, using body products containing the mineral, or having access to sodium borate cleaning supplies. For adults using products made with sodium borate for house cleaning, laundry, or as a pesticide, the following safety precautions should be followed: don’t use borax on your skin and avoid body or cosmetic products containing the mineral. When using cleaning products containing the mineral, be cautious and wear gloves to prevent contact. Ensure that you do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands. Use natural cleaning products made with non-toxic ingredients. Do not use borax in kid’s slime recipes. Do not use the mineral as a pesticide inside your home. Keep products containing the mineral in a safe place away from pets and children. Avoid inhaling borax powder. If borax is ingested or inhaled by a child (or in larger amounts by an adult), call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222. Do this even if you are unaware of the exact amount consumed. The medical expert will provide further advice.

Final Thoughts

• Borax, or sodium borate, is an alkaline mineral salt derived from boron. It is a white powder used in a wide range of products.
• Sodium borate is a pesticide, a whitening and disinfecting agent, an emulsifier, a thickener, a mold remover, and an odor neutralizer. It is utilized in cosmetic products, household cleaners, laundry detergents, and various industrial products.
• Although the mineral is commonly referred to as a low-toxicity substance, research suggests that inhaling, ingesting, and applying it can cause major adverse effects. These side effects include digestive and respiratory issues, skin reactions, and even death.