The Dangers of Borax
Borax is quite
popular online these days. It's in recipes for everything from
children's craft concoctions to alternative cleaning products and
homemade baby wipe solutions. Before you use it, though, make sure
you know all the facts.
Borax, which is also known as Boric Acid and is sold under the brand
name "20 Mule Team," is often touted as safe and natural. While it
is a naturally occurring mineral, that doesn't mean it is without
dangers.
Borax is often recommended as a "safe" pesticide, fungicide and
cleaner, but it is officially classified as a poison. Government
sites recommend that people who work with Borax use gloves and
handle it with caution. Studies have linked it to reproductive
problems in some lab animals, as well as a host of serious disorders
at higher levels.
Boric acid is an acute eye and respiratory tract irritant, which is
quite toxic if ingested. In addition, it is unavailable in parts of
Europe because of concerns that it caused birth defects and problems
with the reproductive organs of children. It is recommended that
pregnant women and children in particular do not have exposure to
Borax.
Here are some medical and U.S. government fact sheets about its
toxicity:
It's important to remember that many products that we use around the
house are just as harmful. However, most of them aren't included in
recipes we give to toddlers!
Yes, we like goop as much as the next folks. After reading about the
risks, though, we decided to make some nice scented play dough
instead.
Written by:
Alicia Bayer of
Magical Childhood
Green Cleaning Products:
