Salts & Minerals · Mineral
Borax (Sodium Borate)
Sodium tetraborate (sodium borate) · also called Sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, laundry booster
Borax is a white mineral powder sold as a laundry and cleaning booster and in some pest products. It is not a food or a supplement. Swallowing it can poison, and babies and young children are most at risk. The EU classifies boric acid and sodium borates as toxic to reproduction, a label based mostly on animal data. We found no human trial showing borax treats anything. This page gives no way to use it and no amount, on purpose.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Borax (Sodium Borate)
Borax is a poison if swallowed, and it can irritate skin and burn eyes. Infants are most at risk. It is not a supplement, and no human trial shows it treats anything.
Pregnancy and fertility
A 2023 review states that the EU classifies boric acid and sodium borates as toxic to reproduction and development, category 1B: may damage fertility, may damage the unborn child. In rats, mice and dogs boron harmed the testes, and in pregnant rats it caused foetal skeletal changes at higher doses.
Studies in highly exposed workers and residents of boron-rich areas have not reported such effects. Those papers come from one research group, and their funding is not stated in the abstracts. The question is debated, and none of this speaks to swallowing powder. Avoid contact and swallowing in pregnancy and ask a doctor.
What about the health claims?
Social media posts say a pinch of borax in water treats joint pain, kidney stones, bone loss and tiredness, or that borax baths detox the body. We found no human trial for any of this. PolitiFact rated the claim Pants on Fire, and the product box says not to take it internally.
Borax is not the same as the small amounts of boron found in fruit, vegetables and nuts. PolitiFact reports that NIH does not call boron an essential nutrient for humans.
What it is
Borax is the common name for sodium tetraborate, a salt of boron, sodium and oxygen. In the body borates exist almost entirely as boric acid. It is sold as a laundry booster, in pest products and in craft recipes such as slime. French poison centres received 208 reports about homemade slime made with boric acid; symptoms were mostly mild and all recovered.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Laundry and household cleaning booster (the use on the product box).
- Pest control: boric acid and borates are used against insects, mites and molds (NPIC).
- A 1986 paper says borax with alum was used in traditional medicine for childhood diarrhoea; this conflicts with later poisoning reports.
Studied for research
- Health tonic for joints, bones, kidney stones and tiredness: no human evidence, insufficient
- Boron as a nutrient: not the same as borax; insufficient
- Detox baths: no human evidence, insufficient
- Childhood diarrhoea (1986 uncontrolled report): very low
- Prostate cancer cells (laboratory dishes only): very low
Main compounds
- Sodium tetraborate (borax)
- Boric acid, the form borates take in the body
Common forms
- Laundry and cleaning powder (not for the body)
- Pesticide powders, baits and tablets
- Craft and slime recipes
- Boric acid products (a related compound)
Research links: MedlinePlus: Boric acid poisoning · NPIC: Boric Acid General Fact Sheet · Poison Help (US): 1-800-222-1222 · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Borax (sodium tetraborate; sodium borate)
- Naming authority
- A mineral salt, not a plant, animal or fungus. PubChem lists sodium tetraborate as formula B4Na2O7 (CID 10219853).
- Synonyms
- sodium tetraborate; disodium tetraborate; sodium borate; tincal
- Common names
- Borax (English); Laundry booster (English)
- Family or group
- Household mineral (sodium borate salt)
- Native range
- Not checked in the sources read.
- Habitat
- Not checked.
- Harvest and processing
- Not checked in the sources read.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Boric acid; Note: A related compound sold in pesticides, eye washes and some medicines. Most poisoning reports are about boric acid.; Name: Boron from food; Note: Small natural amounts in fruit, vegetables and nuts (reported by PolitiFact). Not the same as eating borax.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide use since 1948 | NPIC says products containing boric acid have been registered for use in the US since 1948, and that borates are used against insects, mites, algae and molds. | s-npic-boric |
| Past disinfectant and wound use | MedlinePlus says boric acid was once used to disinfect and treat wounds; people treated repeatedly got sick and some died. It is no longer used as a nursery disinfectant or commonly in medical preparations. | s-medlineplus-boric |
| 1960s to 1980s infant incidents | Infant deaths after mislabelled boric acid disinfectant was used in formula (1960s); seizure reports after a borax-and-honey gum product was used on pacifiers (1970s and 80s). | s-npic-boric |
| Traditional medicine for diarrhoea | A 1986 paper says borax and alum were used in traditional medicine for childhood diarrhoea for centuries; this is the authors' statement only. | p2428288 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium tetraborate (borax) PubChem 10219853 | borate salt | Not applicable | Absorbed after swallowing; in the body exists almost entirely as boric acid (2020 review). 16 5 | Human data |
| Boric acid PubChem 7628 | weak acid | Not applicable | The form borates take in the body; used in pesticides, eye washes and some medicines. 17 14 | Human data |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reproductive organs (animals) | In rats, mice and dogs boron was dose-related toxic to the testes, and at higher doses caused foetal skeletal effects in pregnant rats (2020 review). A 2026 rat study found ovarian follicle loss at very high borax doses. 5 6 | Animal research | |
| Iron-linked cell death (ferroptosis) in prostate cancer cells | TfR1, GPX4, ACSL4 | Borax reduced survival of cultured prostate cancer cells and changed these markers. 2 | Laboratory research |
| Skin and eye tissue | Borax can irritate skin and be corrosive to the eye (NPIC). 14 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- NPIC: boric acid is absorbed rapidly when eaten, poorly through skin unless the skin is damaged, and a review says intact skin is a better barrier than compromised skin.
- Distribution
- NPIC: moves evenly through the body, can be stored in bone, lower in fat.
- Metabolism
- NPIC: no evidence it is broken down in the body.
- Elimination
- NPIC: most is eliminated in urine within four days; a case report suggests poor kidney function can prolong exposure.
- Bioavailability
- Plasma boron rose clearly after borax in a 15-man trial.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Borax is a purified chemical salt, not a whole food. Boron in food is a different matter, and borax should not be used as a substitute.
Nutritional composition
Boron occurs in small amounts in plant foods. PolitiFact reports that NIH does not consider boron an essential human nutrient (not checked on an NIH page). Borax is not a food ingredient.
2 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 5 benefits and uses checked for Borax (Sodium Borate), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Borax as a tonic for joints, bones, kidney stones and tirednessNot enough evidence
- Boron as a nutrient (not the same as borax)Not enough evidence
- Borax baths for detoxNot enough evidence
- Childhood diarrhoea (a 1986 traditional-medicine report)Very low certainty
- Cancer cells in laboratory dishesVery low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Blood (plasma) boronClotting factor VIIaCancer cell survival (lab)
What is Borax (Sodium Borate) good for?
The claims people ask about and how strong the human evidence is for each. None is proven, and every row must be read with the Safety tab.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Borax as a tonic for joints, bones, kidney stones and tiredness
Not enough evidenceSocial media posts say a pinch of borax in water treats joint pain, kidney stones, osteoporosis and fatigue. We found no human trial showing any of this. Poison and food experts warn against swallowing it.
2 studiesLaundry and cleaning powder is not made to be eaten, drunk or bathed …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Our PubMed searches for borax, sodium tetraborate or boric acid in trials of arthritis, osteoporosis or kidney stones found no randomised trial. The only borax-in-people trial we found was a one-day test in 15 healthy men that looked at blood clotting and blood fats, not at any illness.
Results
No evidence of benefit. PolitiFact rated the viral claim Pants on Fire after speaking to experts, and the borax box itself says not to take it internally.
Why this rating
No human trial supports the claims, and there is evidence of harm from swallowing borax and boric acid. The rating is our reading.
Form and dose studied
Laundry and cleaning powder is not made to be eaten, drunk or bathed in. No amount is suggested here, on purpose.
Limits
Absence of trials is not proof of no effect, but the poisoning reports mean no one should test it on themselves.
Why researchers looked
The claim comes from social media and sellers, not from research. It mixes up borax with the small amounts of boron found in food.
Traditional use
No tradition was found in the sources read for swallowing laundry borax as a tonic.
Proposed mechanism None found
No mechanism has been shown for borax as a tonic. Borates in the body exist almost entirely as boric acid (a 2020 review).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Borax is not made to be swallowed or used on the body. It can poison, and infants are at greatest risk. See the Safety tab.
Boron as a nutrient (not the same as borax)
Not enough evidenceSmall amounts of boron occur naturally in fruit, vegetables and nuts. PolitiFact reports that the US National Institutes of Health does not call boron an essential nutrient. Eating borax is not a way to get food boron.
2 studiesBoron in food is a different matter from laundry borax. No amount is …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised crossover trial in 15 healthy men gave a single dose of borax as the boron source with a fatty meal. Blood boron rose, but insulin, glucose, blood fats and the clotting factor measured did not change. The study was funded by Borax Europe Ltd.
Results
Blood boron rose. No effect on any health marker measured.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect on the measured markers
Why this rating
One tiny, one-day, company-funded trial with no health outcome. NIH's position is reported second-hand by a news fact-check and was not checked on the NIH page.
Form and dose studied
Boron in food is a different matter from laundry borax. No amount is suggested here.
Who was studied
15 healthy men aged 45 to 65 in one trial.
Limits
One day, 15 men, industry-funded, markers only.
Why researchers looked
Boron has been studied for bones, joints and hormones, mostly as food or supplement boron, which is a separate topic.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established. A 2020 review says that once absorbed, borates exist in the body almost entirely as boric acid.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Borax is not made to be swallowed or used on the body. It can poison, and infants are at greatest risk. See the Safety tab.
Borax baths for detox
Not enough evidenceSome people bathe in borax solutions after online detox claims. We found no human evidence of any detox effect. A US poison centre toxicologist linked rising borax exposures partly to this trend.
3 studiesNot a bath product. No method or amount is given here, on purpose.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No trial of borax baths was found.
Results
No evidence of benefit. Damaged skin absorbs more, and a 2021 review says skin exposure to boric acid has proven fatal in some cases.
Why this rating
No human study of the claim; documented harms from skin and swallowing exposure.
Form and dose studied
Not a bath product. No method or amount is given here, on purpose.
Who was studied
Anyone with broken, scraped, rashy or inflamed skin, and babies and children, are at greater risk.
Limits
The poison-centre observation is a news quote, not a study.
Why researchers looked
It is a social media trend, not a studied therapy.
Proposed mechanism Agency statement
None shown. NPIC says borax can irritate skin and is corrosive to the eye, and that skin absorbs boric acid poorly unless the skin is damaged.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Borax is not made to be swallowed or used on the body. It can poison, and infants are at greatest risk. See the Safety tab.
Childhood diarrhoea (a 1986 traditional-medicine report)
Very low certaintyA 1986 paper said borax and alum seemed to cut fluid needs in 26 children and caused no side effects. It had no control group. Later poison reports show borax can be deadly to infants. Do not treat this as support.
3 studiesTraditional preparation. No amount is given.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One uncontrolled observation of 26 children. The abstract gives no figures.
Results
Authors reported reduced fluid needs and no noticeable side effects. This conflicts with poison-centre and hospital reports of serious harm in infants.
Effect sizes as reported
Not reported
Why this rating
No control group, tiny, old, and the safety claim contradicts later evidence.
Form and dose studied
Traditional preparation. No amount is given.
Who was studied
26 children in 1986.
Limits
Preliminary observations only; abstract only.
Why researchers looked
The authors were looking for additives to rehydration drinks, and noted borax and alum in traditional medicine.
Traditional use
The authors say the traditional use had been described for centuries.
Proposed mechanism None found
Not stated in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Infants are the group most often described in serious borate poisoning. Never give borax to a child. Borax is not made to be swallowed or used on the body. It can poison, and infants are at greatest risk. See the Safety tab.
Cancer cells in laboratory dishes
Very low certaintyBorax killed prostate cancer cells in dishes. This is lab work only and has not been tested in people. It does not make borax a treatment.
1 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Cultured cancer cells died at the borax concentrations tested. The authors themselves say high concentrations limit immediate clinical application.
Effect sizes as reported
Cell-culture measures only
Why this rating
Laboratory cells only; no animal or human data in the paper read.
Who was studied
Two prostate cancer cell lines.
Limits
Cells in a dish do not predict what happens in people.
Why researchers looked
Researchers test many compounds on cultured cells to look for new drug leads.
Proposed mechanism Preclinical
The study reports a form of iron-linked cell death (ferroptosis) in cultured cells.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Borax is not made to be swallowed or used on the body. It can poison, and infants are at greatest risk. See the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How Borax (Sodium Borate) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detoxification Support | Not enough evidence | Borax baths for detox: Some people bathe in borax solutions after online detox claims. We found no human evidence of any detox effect. A US poison centre toxicologist linked rising borax exposures partly to this trend. | 15 14 10 | |
| Gut Health | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Childhood diarrhoea (a 1986 traditional-medicine report): A 1986 paper said borax and alum seemed to cut fluid needs in 26 children and caused no side effects. It had no control group. Later poison reports show borax can be deadly to infants. Do not treat this as support. | 1 14 12 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive system | Adverse effect or risk | High certainty | Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and burns to the gullet and stomach. Preparation or compound: Borax, boric acid (swallowed) |
12 14 |
| Nervous system | Adverse effect or risk | Moderate certainty | Seizures, confusion and coma, especially in infants. Preparation or compound: Borax, boric acid (swallowed) |
14 12 |
| Urinary system | Adverse effect or risk | Low certainty | Kidney problems; kidney disease prolonged exposure in one case. Preparation or compound: Boric acid (swallowed) |
12 13 |
| Reproductive system | Adverse effect or risk | Mixed findings | EU classification as toxic to reproduction from animal data; human occupational studies by one research group report no effects. Debated. Preparation or compound: Boric acid, sodium borates |
9 5 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Borax as a tonic for joints, bones, kidney stones and tiredness Studied for: Boron as a nutrient (not the same as borax) | 15 10 20 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Borax baths for detox | 15 14 10 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Childhood diarrhoea (a 1986 traditional-medicine report) | 1 14 12 |
| Reproductive System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Cancer cells in laboratory dishes | 2 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood (plasma) boron | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: increased. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 19 |
| Clotting factor VIIa | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: unchanged. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
| Cancer cell survival (lab) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: decreased. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium tetraborate (borax) | Biological association | Human | Absorbed after swallowing; in the body exists almost entirely as boric acid (2020 review). | 16 5 |
| Boric acid | Biological association | Human | The form borates take in the body; used in pesticides, eye washes and some medicines. | 17 14 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 5 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Borax (Sodium Borate). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read the abstracts of 12 PubMed papers and the MedlinePlus, NPIC and PolitiFact pages, and checked the formulas in PubChem. Two PubMed records (a letter and a case report) had no abstract and were read by title only. The ECHA, EUR-Lex, FDA and NIH pages were blocked and not read, so the EU classification is taken from a peer-reviewed review and the FDA and NIH statements from PolitiFact. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. One trial was funded by a borax company and is flagged.
Study library: every study we checked 20
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aung 1986 The effect of sodium tetraborate and alum in the management of acute childhood diarrhoea. Ann Trop Paediatr · PMID 2428288 · DOI |
Uncontrolled observation |
26 26 children with acute diarrhoea |
Sodium tetraborate (borax) and alum traditional medicine, swallowed Not given as advice here |
The authors say borax and alum appeared to reduce fluid needs and that in 26 children no side effects were detected. Claimed fluid savings; no side effects detected by the authors Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fluid needs and side effects Limitations: A 1986 preliminary observation with no control group and an abstract with no figures. It conflicts with the poisoning reports and must not be read as showing borax is safe for children. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Basaran 2025 Borax Triggers Ferroptosis by Modulating the TfR1/GPX4/ACSL4 Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells with Differential Androgen Sensitivity. Biol Trace Elem Res · PMID 41053299 · DOI |
Laboratory study in vitro |
Two human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and DU-145) in dishes | Borax added to cultured cells cell culture Not given as advice here 24 to 72 hours · vs Untreated cells |
Borax killed prostate cancer cells in dishes through a form of cell death called ferroptosis. The authors say the high concentrations needed limit immediate clinical use. Cell-culture effect only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell viability and iron-linked cell death markers Limitations: Cells in a dish. Not tested in animals or people. Does not suggest swallowing borax is useful. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Bergeson & Campbell (law firm) 2010 Law firm news item on the ECHA consultation on eight potential substances of very high concern (2010) n/a · Source |
News item n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Lists boric acid and disodium tetraborate (anhydrous) among eight substances proposed in 2010 as substances of very high concern, with the proposed property "toxic for reproduction category 2". This is a 2010 proposal only; it does not show current status. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lists boric acid and disodium tetraborate (anhydrous) among eight substances proposed in 2010 as substances of very high concern, with the proposed property "toxic for reproduction category 2". This is a 2010 proposal only; it does not show current status. Limitations: A secondary source, from 2010. ECHA pages could not be opened (blocked), so the current candidate-list status was not verified. Read: full-text |
| Bolt 2012 Human environmental and occupational exposures to boric acid: reconciliation with experimental reproductive toxicity data. J Toxicol Environ Health A · PMID 22686310 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Rat studies compared with highly exposed worker groups in China and Turkey | Boric acid occupational exposure Not given as advice here |
The reproductive toxicity of boric acid and borates is described as a matter of current regulatory concern. Studies in highly exposed workers in China and Turkey were negative for male reproduction, and the authors say exposures were too low to reach the body levels that harmed rats. Negative in exposed workers Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Reproductive toxicity comparison Limitations: Same author group as the other two reviews. Funding is not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Bolt 2020 Effects of boron compounds on human reproduction. Arch Toxicol · PMID 32170343 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Animal studies and human field studies (China, Argentina, Turkey) | Boric acid and borates (as boron) oral and occupational Not given as advice here |
In rats, mice and dogs, boron caused dose-related testicular toxicity, and in pregnant rats higher doses caused skeletal changes in the foetus. In people, the field studies in boron-rich areas were basically negative, and the authors say harmful body levels are not reached in normal handling and use, even in extreme occupational exposure. Animal reproductive toxicity; human field studies negative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fertility and developmental effects Limitations: Same author group as the 2023 review. Funding is not stated in the abstract. Does not cover accidental swallowing or poisoning. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Bulmus 2026 Dose and duration dependent effects of borax on ovarian structure and function in female rats. Biometals · PMID 42091784 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Female Wistar rats | Borax by mouth at low and high doses oral Not given as advice here 7 to 60 days · vs Control rats |
At high dose and with long exposure, rats had fewer immature follicles, more cell death in ovarian tissue and altered reproductive hormones. The authors call this potential reproductive toxicity and say human relevance needs study. Ovarian harm in rats at high doses Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Egg-follicle counts, cell death in the ovary, reproductive hormones Limitations: Animal study at very high doses; cannot be applied to people. Funded by a university research council. Funding and conflicts: University research council (Balikesir University) grant listed. Read: abstract |
| Cheong 2023 Caustic injury resulting from borax powder ingestion. Clin Toxicol (Phila) · PMID 37358037 · DOI |
Letter (case report) |
Not stated | Borax powder swallowed Not given as advice here |
The title reports a caustic injury from swallowing borax powder. Reported caustic injury Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Caustic (burning) injury to the gut Limitations: This is a letter with no abstract. Only the title, authors and journal were read, so nothing beyond the title is claimed. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: record-only |
| Duydu 2018 Birth weights of newborns and pregnancy outcomes of environmentally boron-exposed females in Turkey. Arch Toxicol · PMID 29947890 · DOI |
Observational study |
199 199 women living in two boron-rich areas of Turkey, from low to high blood boron |
Environmental boron exposure (drinking water and food) environmental Not given as advice here · vs Low-exposure group |
No boron-linked effects were seen on abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, sex ratio or birth weight, even in the high-exposure group. No adverse pregnancy outcomes found Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth defects, birth weight Limitations: Small groups (27 in the high group); not a study of borax powder; same research group as the reviews. Funding is not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Duydu 2023 What can we learn from epidemiological studies on chronic boron exposure? Crit Rev Toxicol · PMID 37351904 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Studies of boron-exposed workers and residents in China, Turkiye and Argentina | Boron from mining areas and production plants occupational exposure Not given as advice here · vs Lower-exposed groups |
The review says boric acid and sodium borates are classified in the EU as toxic to reproduction and development, category 1B (H360FD: may damage fertility, may damage the unborn child). Despite high exposure in some workers, reproductive and developmental effects have not been reported in the studies it reviews. The authors conclude critical blood levels cannot be reached in daily life. No reproductive or developmental effects reported in exposed workers Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Reproductive and developmental effects in exposed people; blood boron Limitations: The authors have published several papers on the same side of this debate. Funding is not stated in the abstract. Occupational exposure is not the same as swallowing a powder. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Hadrup 2021 Toxicity of boric acid, borax and other boron containing compounds: A review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol · PMID 33485927 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Published toxicity data on boric acid, borax and other boron compounds | Boric acid, borax and other boron compounds powder, solutions, products Not given as advice here |
Boron is absorbed through the gut. Intact skin is a better barrier than compromised skin. Skin exposure to boric acid has proven fatal in some cases. Fatalities have also followed swallowing. In animals the endpoints were weight loss and reproductive toxicity. Overall, boron compounds were not genotoxic, and a 2-year mouse study found no evidence of cancer from boric acid. Fatal cases after skin and oral exposure; reproductive toxicity in animals Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Toxicity after inhalation, skin and oral exposure Limitations: Narrative review; the abstract gives no search method or case counts. Funding and conflicts: No funding statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Labadie 2020 Exposures associated with making or playing with viscoelastic polymer toys known as Slime: a retrospective case series from French Poison Control Centres. Clin Toxicol (Phila) · PMID 31475854 · DOI |
Case series |
208 208 reports to French poison centres (2014 to May 2018), average age 8 |
Homemade slime made with boric acid mostly swallowed (168), skin (30), eye (8) Not given as advice here |
82 people had symptoms: 81 mild and one of average severity (keratitis, an eye surface problem). All recovered. The authors say no significant harm is expected if only small amounts are swallowed, and that making slime at home must be supervised by adults. Mostly mild; all recovered Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms and severity Limitations: Reports to poison centres, so milder cases may be missed; boric acid slime, not borax solutions measured. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| MedlinePlus 2025 MedlinePlus: Boric acid poisoning (review date 1/8/2025) n/a · Source |
Health agency page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Calls boric acid a dangerous poison. Main symptoms are blue-green vomit, diarrhoea and a bright red skin rash. Others include blisters, collapse, coma, seizures, low blood pressure and very little or no urine. The infant death rate from boric acid poisoning is high. Damage to the gullet and stomach can continue for weeks, and death can follow months later. Gives the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222 (US). If it touches skin wash thoroughly; if it gets in the eyes wash with cool water for 15 minutes; if swallowed seek medical help at once. Notes activated charcoal does not effectively treat poisoning by acids. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Calls boric acid a dangerous poison. Main symptoms are blue-green vomit, diarrhoea and a bright red skin rash. Others include blisters, collapse, coma, seizures, low blood pressure and very little or no urine. The infant death rate from boric acid poisoning is high. Damage to the gullet and stomach can continue for weeks, and death can follow months later. Gives the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222 (US). If it touches skin wash thoroughly; if it gets in the eyes wash with cool water for 15 minutes; if swallowed seek medical help at once. Notes activated charcoal does not effectively treat poisoning by acids. Limitations: Agency or news page, not a study. Read: full-text |
| Nakajima 2026 Acute Boric Acid Poisoning With Chronic Renal Failure Successfully Treated With Continuous Hemofiltration. Cureus · PMID 41869102 · DOI |
Case report |
1 An 88-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease |
Boric acid eye-wash solution swallowed by accident Not given as advice here Single exposure |
She had vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure and a mild facial and chest redness, and needed hospital blood-filtering treatment (hemodiafiltration). The authors think reduced kidney clearance prolonged exposure. She recovered, and kidney function returned to baseline. Serious poisoning needing intensive treatment; recovered Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms, treatment and recovery Limitations: One case. Boric acid, not borax powder. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| National Pesticide Information Center 2013 NPIC: Boric Acid General Fact Sheet (date reviewed December 2013) n/a · Source |
Health agency page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Covers boric acid and its sodium borate salts, including borax. Borax can be corrosive to the eye and irritating to skin. Swallowing causes nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhoea, sometimes blue-green. Extreme amounts caused a red "boiled lobster" rash then skin loss. Infants who ate large amounts had convulsions, confusion and coma. Absorption through skin is poor unless the skin is damaged. In the 1960s infants died after boric acid disinfectant was used by mistake in formula; in the 1970s and 80s a borax-and-honey gum product used on pacifiers led to seizure reports. Long-term swallowing can cause liver and kidney problems and death. Animals are affected in a similar way, with signs starting within 2 hours. NPIC says its sheets are not all kept up to date. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Covers boric acid and its sodium borate salts, including borax. Borax can be corrosive to the eye and irritating to skin. Swallowing causes nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhoea, sometimes blue-green. Extreme amounts caused a red "boiled lobster" rash then skin loss. Infants who ate large amounts had convulsions, confusion and coma. Absorption through skin is poor unless the skin is damaged. In the 1960s infants died after boric acid disinfectant was used by mistake in formula; in the 1970s and 80s a borax-and-honey gum product used on pacifiers led to seizure reports. Long-term swallowing can cause liver and kidney problems and death. Animals are affected in a similar way, with signs starting within 2 hours. NPIC says its sheets are not all kept up to date. Limitations: Sheet dated 2013; covers mostly boric acid. Read: full-text |
| PolitiFact (news fact-check) 2023 PolitiFact: Don't ingest borax, experts say of the cleaning product (27 July 2023) n/a · Source |
News fact check n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Fact-check of a Facebook video saying a pinch of borax a day in water treats joint pain, kidney stones, osteoporosis and chronic fatigue. Rated Pants on Fire. Reports that borax and boron are not interchangeable, that the borax box says not to take it internally, that FDA says borax is illegal in foods sold in the US, and that the National Capital Poison Center saw more borax and boric acid exposures, including people bathing in borax solutions for detox. Reports that NIH says boron is not an essential nutrient for humans because no clear biological function has been found. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fact-check of a Facebook video saying a pinch of borax a day in water treats joint pain, kidney stones, osteoporosis and chronic fatigue. Rated Pants on Fire. Reports that borax and boron are not interchangeable, that the borax box says not to take it internally, that FDA says borax is illegal in foods sold in the US, and that the National Capital Poison Center saw more borax and boric acid exposures, including people bathing in borax solutions for detox. Reports that NIH says boron is not an essential nutrient for humans because no clear biological function has been found. Limitations: Journalism, not a primary source: the FDA and NIH statements are reported second-hand and were not checked on the agency pages. Read: full-text |
| PubChem 2026 PubChem: Sodium Tetraborate (CID 10219853) n/a · Source |
Health agency page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Formula B4Na2O7, molecular weight 201.2. Returned by the PubChem API for CAS 1330-43-4 and the name sodium tetraborate. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Formula B4Na2O7, molecular weight 201.2. Returned by the PubChem API for CAS 1330-43-4 and the name sodium tetraborate. Limitations: Identity only. Read: full-text |
| PubChem 2026 PubChem: Boric Acid (CID 7628) n/a · Source |
Health agency page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Formula BH3O3, molecular weight 61.84. Returned by the PubChem API for CAS 10043-35-3. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Formula BH3O3, molecular weight 61.84. Returned by the PubChem API for CAS 10043-35-3. Limitations: Identity only. Read: full-text |
| Singh 2022 Life-threatening corrosive injury with hepato-renal-pulmonary failure in boric acid poisoning. Postgrad Med J · PMID 33184135 · DOI |
Case report |
Not stated | Boric acid swallowed Not given as advice here |
The title reports life-threatening corrosive injury with liver, kidney and lung failure after boric acid poisoning. Reported life-threatening injury Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Organ injury Limitations: No abstract was available. Only the title, authors and journal were read, so nothing beyond the title is claimed. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: record-only |
| Spacco 2025 Unintentional boric acid exposure: a case report and boron level monitoring. BMC Pediatr · PMID 41120974 · DOI |
Case report |
1 An 8-year-old boy |
Boric acid in contaminated pasta water swallowed by accident Not given as advice here Single exposure |
The boy ate homemade pasta made with water contaminated with a boric acid solution. He had nausea and abdominal pain, one episode of vomiting and a headache, and was largely well afterwards. Blood boron fell within 24 hours and follow-up a month later was normal. The authors say boric acid is readily absorbed, and that the toxic dose needs better definition. Mild illness in this case Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms and blood and urine boron levels Limitations: One child; other reports describe severe poisoning, so this outcome should not be taken as typical. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wallace 2002 Boron supplementation and activated factor VII in healthy men. Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 12428176 · DOI |
Randomised crossover trial |
15 15 healthy men aged 45 to 65 |
One dose of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) as a boron source, taken with a fatty meal swallowed in a research setting Not given as advice here Single day (two visits) · vs Placebo |
Plasma boron rose after the borax compared with placebo. Borax made no difference to insulin, glucose, blood fats or clotting factor VIIa. No effect on any outcome measured Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood clotting factor VIIa, insulin, glucose, lipids and plasma boron Limitations: Tiny, one-day study of healthy men under supervision. It does not show that borax is safe for home use or that it helps anyone. Funding and conflicts: Funded by Borax Europe Ltd, a company with an interest in borax. Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- No human trial shows borax treats any illness.
- No source read gives a safe level for people, and none is suggested.
- The current ECHA listing and the FDA statement were not read on the agency pages (blocked).
- The reproductive-safety human data come from one research group.
- No breastfeeding or medicine-interaction data were found.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 3
Blood (plasma) boron
Increased in trials
The amount of boron in the blood.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To confirm that a boron compound was absorbed.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows absorption, not benefit or harm.
Safety implication
Blood boron is also used to monitor exposure in poisoning cases. See Safety.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Plasma boron was clearly higher after borax than after placebo (reported as significantly higher). | 15 healthy men | One research-setting dose of borax versus placebo |
Clotting factor VIIa
Unchanged in trials
A blood clotting protein that rises after a fatty meal.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Studied as a possible heart-risk marker.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No effect seen in a one-day test.
Safety implication
Does not show borax is safe to swallow.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | The rise after a fatty meal was not changed by borax. | 15 healthy men | Borax versus placebo with a fatty meal |
Cancer cell survival (lab)
Decreased in trials
How many cultured cells stay alive after exposure.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To test whether a compound harms cancer cells.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker only.
Safety implication
Does not show a safe or useful effect in people.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Borax reduced survival of two prostate cancer cell lines; the reported concentrations that halved survival differed between the two cell lines. | Cultured human prostate cancer cells | Borax in cell culture, 24 to 72 hours |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 7
- Swallowing borax or boric acid is poisonous, and can be fatal. MedlinePlus calls boric acid a dangerous poison. Signs are blue-green vomit, diarrhoea and a bright red skin rash, and in severe cases seizures, coma, very little urine, collapse and death. A review says fatalities have followed swallowing. Damage to the gullet and stomach can continue for weeks. Hospital case reports describe borax powder causing caustic injury, and boric acid poisoning causing liver, kidney and lung failure (titles only; abstracts were not available). Agency page, review and case reports 12 10 7 18
- Babies and young children are most at risk. MedlinePlus says the infant death rate from boric acid poisoning is high. NPIC says infants who ate large amounts had convulsions, confusion and coma, that infants died in the 1960s after boric acid disinfectant was mistaken for something safe in formula, and that a borax-and-honey gum product put on pacifiers led to seizure reports in the 1970s and 80s. One 8-year-old who swallowed boric acid by accident was only mildly unwell, but that does not mean children are safe. Keep borax away from children. Agency pages and case report 12 14 19
- The EU classifies boric acid and sodium borates as toxic to reproduction. A 2023 review states that boric acid and sodium borates are classified under EU rules as toxic to reproduction and development, category 1B, with the hazard statement H360FD: may damage fertility, may damage the unborn child. In animals, boron harmed the testes and caused skeletal changes in the foetus at higher doses. Studies in highly exposed workers and residents have not reported such effects, and the authors of those reviews (one research group) argue harmful body levels are not reached in daily life. The question is debated, and none of this covers swallowing powder. Avoid contact and swallowing in pregnancy and when trying to conceive, and ask a doctor. Reviews, animal studies, observational studies 9 5 4 8 6
- Damaged skin absorbs more; it can also irritate skin and burn eyes. NPIC says boric acid is absorbed poorly by skin unless the skin is damaged, and that borax can irritate skin and be corrosive to the eye. A 2021 review says intact skin is a better barrier than compromised skin and that skin exposure to boric acid has proven fatal in some cases. Do not put borax on broken, scraped or rashy skin or on a baby. Agency page and review 14 10
- Kidney disease can make poisoning last longer. An 88-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who swallowed boric acid eye-wash by accident needed hospital blood-filtering treatment. The authors think poor kidney clearance prolonged her exposure. She recovered. Case report 13
- Breathing the dust can irritate the nose and throat. NPIC says people who breathed in borax had a dry mouth, nose and throat, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and nosebleeds. Agency page 14
- No reason was found to use it as a remedy. We found no human trial showing borax treats any illness. A news fact-check rated the viral claim that a pinch of borax a day treats joint pain, bone loss and tiredness as Pants on Fire. The product box says not to take it internally. News fact check 15
Side effects 7
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea (may be blue-green) Described for boric acid and borax. | Not established | moderate to severe Usually settles in mild cases; severe poisoning needs hospital care | Agency page 14 12 |
| Bright red skin rash, blisters and skin loss NPIC describes a red, boiled-lobster rash after extreme amounts. | Not established | moderate to severe Not stated | Agency page 12 14 |
| Seizures, confusion, coma Most often described in infants. | Not established | life-threatening Needs emergency care | Agency page 14 12 |
| Kidney and liver problems, very little urine Long-term or large swallowing. | Not established | life-threatening Needs hospital care | Agency page and case reports 12 14 13 |
| Burns to the gullet and stomach Perforations are described by MedlinePlus. | Not established | life-threatening May continue for weeks; late deaths reported | Agency page and case reports 12 7 |
| Skin and eye irritation, eye burns Borax can be corrosive to the eye. | Not established | mild to serious Wash the eye with cool water and get care | Agency page 14 12 |
| Dry nose and throat, cough, nosebleeds after breathing dust Workers who breathed borax. | Not established | mild to moderate Not stated | Agency page 14 |
Liver
NPIC lists liver and kidney problems among the effects of long-term swallowing of boric acid, and a hospital report in the title mentions liver, kidney and lung failure after boric acid poisoning. No LiverTox entry was read. 14 18
How often. No rate found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Borax (Sodium Borate) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 2
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines, supplements and alcohol prescription | No interaction study was found. The kidneys clear boric acid, so kidney disease matters. | Unknown | None found Not enough evidence | Borax is not meant to be taken at all. If someone has swallowed it, call poison help. |
| Kidney disease condition | Reduced kidney clearance may prolong exposure after swallowing boric acid. | Possibly serious (one case) | Case report Very low certainty 13 | Anyone with kidney disease who swallows borax or boric acid needs urgent medical advice. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Babies and children | Do not give borax or put it on pacifiers, skin or toys. Keep it locked away. | Agency page 14 12 |
| Pregnancy, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding | Do not swallow or apply it as a remedy; ask a doctor. The EU classification is for reproductive and developmental harm. No source read gives breastfeeding advice. | Regulatory classification and reviews 9 5 |
| Broken, scraped or rashy skin | Skin absorbs boric acid more when damaged. Do not use it as a bath or on skin. | Agency page and review 14 10 |
| Kidney disease | Higher risk of prolonged poisoning. Ask a doctor. | Case report 13 |
| Pets | NPIC says animals are affected in a similar way, with signs starting within 2 hours of eating it. Call a vet or animal poison line. | Agency page 14 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Borax is a poison if swallowed, and a skin, eye and airway irritant. Infants are at greatest risk. In animals, boric acid and borax harm reproduction and development at high doses.
Animal. A 2026 rat study found ovarian harm at very high borax doses; reviews describe testicular and foetal skeletal effects in animals. NPIC says no cancer was found in two-year feeding studies of boric acid and borax in mice and rats, and a review found no genotoxicity.
Human doses studied. Not given as advice here.
High dose or long term signals. Long-term swallowing can cause vomiting, tremors, rashes, liver and kidney dysfunction, seizures and death (NPIC). Late deaths after large amounts are described by MedlinePlus.
Overdose response. Call poison help or emergency services at once. Treatment is given by clinicians in hospital. MedlinePlus says activated charcoal does not effectively treat poisoning by acids; do not try home remedies.
Genotoxicity. A 2021 review found boron compounds overall not genotoxic.
No contamination or quality data were found. Cleaning-grade borax is not made for people to take in.
Intended use. A news fact-check reports the borax box says it is a detergent booster and multi-purpose cleaner and not to take it internally. 15
Slime and craft use. French poison centres received 208 reports of exposure to homemade slime made with boric acid. 82 people had symptoms, mostly mild, one had an eye-surface problem, all recovered. Children made or played with it, and the authors say adults should supervise. 11
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Calls boric acid a dangerous poison; says the infant death rate from boric acid poisoning is high; gives the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222. source | 2025-01-08 |
| NPIC (National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University) (United States) | Fact sheet on boric acid and its sodium salts (borax): irritating to skin, corrosive to the eye, poisonous if eaten, infants most affected; limit exposure by following the label. source | 2013-12 |
| European Union (CLP classification) (European Union) | Boric acid and sodium borates classified as toxic to reproduction and development, category 1B, H360FD (may damage fertility, may damage the unborn child). source | 2023 |
When to get medical help
- Anyone has swallowed borax or boric acid, especially a child: call Poison Help (US 1-800-222-1222) or your local emergency number now. Do not wait for symptoms.
- Vomiting (especially blue-green), diarrhoea, a bright red rash, drowsiness, twitching, seizures or collapse after exposure: call emergency services.
- Borax in the eye: rinse with cool water for 15 minutes and get medical care (MedlinePlus).
- Borax on the skin: wash the area thoroughly (MedlinePlus). Get medical advice if the skin is broken or a baby or child is affected.
- Very little or no urine after exposure, or breathing trouble: get emergency care.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is borax safe to swallow?
No. MedlinePlus calls boric acid, the compound borax turns into in the body, a dangerous poison. Swallowing can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, a bright red rash, seizures, kidney and liver harm, and death. If someone has swallowed borax, call Poison Help (US 1-800-222-1222) or your local emergency number now.
Is borax dangerous for babies and children?
Can borax harm a pregnancy or fertility?
The EU classifies boric acid and sodium borates as toxic to reproduction and development, category 1B (may damage fertility, may damage the unborn child). The classification rests mostly on animal data. Some worker studies by one research group report no effects, so the question is debated. Avoid swallowing or applying it in pregnancy, and ask a doctor.
Is the EU classification the same as a ban?
Can borax go through the skin?
Do borax baths detox the body?
Does borax help joint pain, bones or kidney stones?
We found no human trial showing it does. PolitiFact rated the viral claim Pants on Fire, and the borax box itself says not to take it internally.
Is borax the same as boron in food?
What about slime made with borax?
French poison centres received 208 reports about homemade slime made with boric acid. Most people with symptoms had mild ones, one had an eye-surface problem, and all recovered. The authors say adults should supervise children and that small swallowed amounts are not expected to cause significant harm.
What should I do if borax gets in the eye or on the skin?
Are pets at risk?
Yes. NPIC says animals are affected in a similar way, with signs of poisoning starting within 2 hours of eating it. Keep borax away from pets and call a vet if a pet has eaten it.
Is borax approved as a medicine or a food additive?
We read no regulator statement approving it as a medicine. PolitiFact reports that the FDA says borax is not allowed in foods sold in the US, but we did not check that on the FDA page. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any home mineral product on the body.
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We read the abstracts of 12 PubMed papers and the MedlinePlus, NPIC and PolitiFact pages, and checked the formulas in PubChem. Two PubMed records (a letter and a case report) had no abstract and were read by title only. The ECHA, EUR-Lex, FDA and NIH pages were blocked and not read, so the EU classification is taken from a peer-reviewed review and the FDA and NIH statements from PolitiFact. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. One trial was funded by a borax company and is flagged.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for borax. This page is information, not a recommendation to use it.
Sources 20
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Aung M, U P. The effect of sodium tetraborate and alum in the management of acute childhood diarrhoea.. Ann Trop Paediatr. 1986. PMID 2428288. DOI 10.1080/02724936.1986.11748406. (abstract)
- Basaran E, Hacioglu C, Baba D, et al. Borax Triggers Ferroptosis by Modulating the TfR1/GPX4/ACSL4 Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells with Differential Androgen Sensitivity.. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025. PMID 41053299. DOI 10.1007/s12011-025-04843-3. (abstract)
- Bergeson & Campbell (law firm). Law firm news item on the ECHA consultation on eight potential substances of very high concern (2010). n/a. 2010. (full-text)
- Bolt H, Basaran N, Duydu Y. Human environmental and occupational exposures to boric acid: reconciliation with experimental reproductive toxicity data.. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2012. PMID 22686310. DOI 10.1080/15287394.2012.675301. (abstract)
- Bolt H, Basaran N, Duydu Y. Effects of boron compounds on human reproduction.. Arch Toxicol. 2020. PMID 32170343. DOI 10.1007/s00204-020-02700-x. (abstract)
- Bulmus O, Celebi C, Celebi M, et al. Dose and duration dependent effects of borax on ovarian structure and function in female rats.. Biometals. 2026. PMID 42091784. DOI 10.1007/s10534-026-00827-5. (abstract)
- Cheong C, Liao Y, Chen C. Caustic injury resulting from borax powder ingestion.. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2023. PMID 37358037. DOI 10.1080/15563650.2023.2223354. (record-only)
- Duydu Y, Basaran N, Ustundag A, et al. Birth weights of newborns and pregnancy outcomes of environmentally boron-exposed females in Turkey.. Arch Toxicol. 2018. PMID 29947890. DOI 10.1007/s00204-018-2238-4. (abstract)
- Duydu Y, Basaran N, Bolt H. What can we learn from epidemiological studies on chronic boron exposure?. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2023. PMID 37351904. DOI 10.1080/10408444.2023.2222151. (abstract)
- Hadrup N, Frederiksen M, Sharma A. Toxicity of boric acid, borax and other boron containing compounds: A review.. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2021. PMID 33485927. DOI 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104873. (abstract)
- Labadie M, Langrand J, Leroux G, et al. Exposures associated with making or playing with viscoelastic polymer toys known as Slime: a retrospective case series from French Poison Control Centres.. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2020. PMID 31475854. DOI 10.1080/15563650.2019.1657144. (abstract)
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus: Boric acid poisoning (review date 1/8/2025). n/a. 2025. (full-text)
- Nakajima H, Santanda T, Shoji T, et al. Acute Boric Acid Poisoning With Chronic Renal Failure Successfully Treated With Continuous Hemofiltration.. Cureus. 2026. PMID 41869102. DOI 10.7759/cureus.103795. (abstract)
- National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University. NPIC: Boric Acid General Fact Sheet (date reviewed December 2013). n/a. 2013. (full-text)
- PolitiFact (news fact-check). PolitiFact: Don't ingest borax, experts say of the cleaning product (27 July 2023). n/a. 2023. (full-text)
- PubChem, NCBI. PubChem: Sodium Tetraborate (CID 10219853). n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- PubChem, NCBI. PubChem: Boric Acid (CID 7628). n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- Singh H, Dhibar D, Naidu G. Life-threatening corrosive injury with hepato-renal-pulmonary failure in boric acid poisoning.. Postgrad Med J. 2022. PMID 33184135. DOI 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138470. (record-only)
- Spacco G, Petrolini V, Schicchi A, et al. Unintentional boric acid exposure: a case report and boron level monitoring.. BMC Pediatr. 2025. PMID 41120974. DOI 10.1186/s12887-025-06254-8. (abstract)
- Wallace J, Hannon-Fletcher M, Robson P, et al. Boron supplementation and activated factor VII in healthy men.. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002. PMID 12428176. DOI 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601455. (abstract)
