borax makes me nervous
Toxicity in Animal Studies
The Environmental Protection Agency has classified borax as "moderately acutely toxic," with health effects such as oral and skin toxicity, as well as eye and skin irritation. This is based on several animal studies. One such study involving dogs led to blood and metabolism disorders and negative health effects on the testes, endocrine system and brain weight of dogs studied. In other animal studies involving mice and rats, borax was found to not be carcinogenic, but effects on the testes and decreases in body weight were seen in high doses. The EPA has labeled boric acid as a Group E carcinogen, meaning it has demonstrated "evidence of noncarcinogenicity" for humans.
Environmental Effects
According to the EPA, borax is not toxic to birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates, and "relatively nontoxic" to insects. The EPA has labeled Borax as a safe pesticide, but the use of borax as an herbicide may not be harmful to endangered or threatened plants.
Toxicity in Humans
Borax is very harmful to humans if swallowed or inhaled, and can lead to irritation of the eyes, skin and the respiratory tract. It may also lead to negative health effects in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys when ingested or inhaled. According to the National Institutes of Health, poisoning normally happens when a person accidentally ingests substances containing borax, such as powdered insect-killing products. The major symptoms of poisoning from borax are blue-green vomit, diarrhea and a skin rash. Repeated or prolonged contact of borax with the skin may lead to dermatitis. Borax is especially harmful to children--as little as a teaspoonful can be fatal when swallowed by a young child. The infant death rate from borax poisonings is very high.
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Risks Associated with Borax
Borax is natural, but that does not mean it is automatically safer for you or for 'the environment' than man-made chemicals. Although plants need boron, too much of it will kill them, so borax can be used as an herbicide. Borax may also be used to kill roaches, ants, and fleas. In fact, it is also toxic to people. Signs of chronic toxic exposure include red and peeling skin, seizures, and kidney failure. The estimated lethal dose (ingested) for adults is 15-20 grams; less than 5 grams can kill a child or pet. For this reason, borax should not be used around food. More commonly, borax is associated with skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. It is also important to point out that exposure to borax may impair fertility or cause damage to an unborn child.
Now, none of these risks mean that you shouldn't use borax. If you do a bit of research, you will find risks associated with all cleaning products, natural or man-made. However, you do need to be aware of product risks so that you can use those products properly. Don't use borax around food, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and make sure you rinse borax out of clothes and
