Most people associate borax cleaner with mule teams and mining operations in Death Valley, California, where the mineral has formed white crystals over time through concentration of run-off from surrounding hills. Borax is also mined from deep in the earth in Turkey and Tibet. It was a mainstay of laundry rooms in the 1950s, prized for it's buffering and bleaching action when combined with water. Borax kills fungus and mold. Boraxo, a Dial Corporation product, is an abrasive hand cleaner.
Borax is a salt of boric acid. It is also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate and disodium tetraborate.
Borax is Versatile but has Valid Consumer Concerns
Borax is slightly alkaline, so it lends itself well to natural skin cleansers and toners. Combined with soap, it makes an effective exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and bacteria and oil that hide under them and cause acne. Boric acid is a homeopathic remedy for acne and used in anti-fungal preparations, including vaginal suppositories for yeast infection treatment. Mixed with beeswax, borax is an emulsifier in many creams and lotions.
The FDA currently lists borax as generally considered safe, but one of the agency's committees recommended restricting the use of borax in consumer products. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, "Chronic poisoning occurs in those who are repeatedly exposed to boric acid. For example, in the past, boric acid was used to disinfect and treat wounds. Patients who received such treatments over and over again got sick, and some died."
As boric acid, borax is marketed for its insecticidal properties. It kills roaches, ants and fleas. Although boric acid naturally occurs in soil and is needed as a trace mineral by plants, excessive use of the mineral kills them, making this product a good herbicide. Boric acid solution was once a popular eyewash, but is not recommended for any medical use now.
Borax, listed as sodium borate, is an ingredient in the HPV vaccine Gardisil, which is marketed to young women as a preventative against one type of cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus. Sodium borate is also marketed as rat poison, although in much higher doses. Gardisil manufacturer Merck says the amount of sodium borate used to preserve the vaccine is safe.
Washington Times reporter Gregory Lopes, however, noted that some possible vaccine reactions that have prompted authorities in Spain to stop distributing the shots are eerily similar to symptoms of borax poisoning: headaches, blurred vision, possible seizures and paralysis. Most of the reactions were mild and temporary but two young women were hospitalized after taking the vaccine.
Dangers of Borax Exposure
Borax is a neurotoxin. Ingestion of less than five grams can kill a child or pet; adults would succumb after swallowing less than 20 grams. Birth defects that can be caused by borax include brain and skeletal abnormalities and infertility of male offspring. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, animal studies have shown that borax has an affinity for male testicles: "It appears that males are most sensitive to boric acid/boric salts. A major target... is the testes." Poisoning produces inflammation and atrophy of tubules and lowers sperm count.
Although it does not readily penetrate unbroken skin and is generally safe for occasional topical use, borax is associated with skin and lung irritation when ingested or inhaled. Repeated low dose exposure, as in borax use as a food preservative in imported noodles, steamed rice, caviar and meatballs, has been implicated in cases of liver cancer over five to ten years. Borax has been banned as a preservative for food in the United States and many other countries, but it is still used illegally.
Take Precautions
Follow label directions when using boric acid as an herbicide or insecticide. Do not use any form of borax near food or water and keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Thorough rinsing from skin and laundry is important, and borax should not be used around eyes or mucus membranes. Pregnant women should limit exposure to borax.
References:
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
Vaccine Center Issues Warning, Gregory Lopes, Washington Times, Feb 3, 2007
Report of Food Quality Protection Act, Tolerance Reassessment Eligibility Decision for Boric Acid/Boric Salts, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (7508P)
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