Borax is a mineral commonly used in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and pesticides. A recent TikTok trend involves ingesting borax mixed with water, with some claims suggesting it can reduce joint pain, inflammation, body weight, body toxins, and more.
Although borax is banned as an ingredient in food products in the United States, some social media influencers suggest consuming small amounts, despite safety concerns.
This article explores and identifies the hidden (and-not-so-hidden) dangers of drinking borax.
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What Is Borax?
Borax, also called sodium borate, boric acid, disodium tetraborate, or sodium tetraborate, is a compound containing sodium, oxygen, water, and boron. Its chemical formula is Na2B4O7·10H2O. Its powdered form consists of white crystals that dissolve in water. Borax has many uses, including:
- Killing cockroaches, fleas, ants, and other insects
- Being a fire retardant
- Treating mildew and mold
- Neutralizing odors
- Enhancing detergents and soaps
- Slowing bacterial growth in some cosmetic products
- Emulsifying cosmetics
- Working as a laundry booster/stain remover
- Deodorizing clothes
Numerous household products contain borax, and it is commonly available in many grocery stores, supercenters, and department stores.
Boron, an ingredient in borax, is a naturally occurring element essential for plant growth. It’s present in varying amounts in different foods but is not classified as an essential nutrient because researchers have yet to identify necessary biological functions for boron in humans. Naturally occurring boron differs significantly from the chemical compound borax.
Claims Made by Borax Drinking Advocates
Common claims made by borax-drinking advocates include:
- Weight loss
- Detoxification
- More energy
- Less inflammation
- Reduced joint pain
- Less oxidative stress
- Improved bone health
- Fewer arthritis symptoms
- Better hormone balance
These claims are based on anecdotal reports and suggestions from social media influencers, lacking scientific research support or endorsement from healthcare professionals.
Scientific Perspective on Borax Consumption
Despite claims circulating on social media, borax is not safe for human consumption. It’s not a food-grade substance or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human consumption in foods or beverages.
In fact, borax toxicity can occur when ingesting this chemical. There is no established safe level of borax for human consumption.
The naturally occurring element boron, however, has a tolerable upper intake level of:
- 3 milligrams (kids ages 1-3)
- 6 milligrams (kids ages 4-8)
- 11 milligrams (kids ages 9-13)
- 17 milligrams (teenagers ages 14-18)
- 20 milligrams (adults)
There are significant health risks associated with ingesting too much boron and consuming borax, including acute and chronic poisoning. Some health concerns stemming from extremely high intakes of boron or borax can be fatal.
Additionally, there are no proven health benefits associated with drinking borax, and it has not been approved for any health-related use. Research is ongoing to determine the potential benefits of ingesting safe amounts of boron.
Naturally occurring boron is present in some plant-based foods, milk products, coffee, and dietary supplements. Most adults, especially those who eat large amounts of plant-based foods, consume about 1 milligram of boron per day.
Potential Health Risks and Side Effects
Potential risks and adverse side effects of ingesting, touching, or inhaling borax include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Kidney damage
- Hormone disruption
- Skin flushing, redness, rash, or dermatitis
- Eye Irritation
- Excitation, restlessness, weariness, or depression
- Headaches
- Hypothermia
- Anorexia
- Amnesia
- Thinning hair
- Sore throat, coughing, or shortness of breath
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nose bleeds
- Twitching
- Neurological problems, such as dizziness, convulsions, confusion, or seizures
- Collapse, coma, or even death
Ingesting large amounts of boron, such as 15,000 to 20,000 milligrams, can be fatal for adults.
Regulatory Stance on Borax Consumption
Regulatory guidelines strongly advise against ingesting any amount of borax. For example, the FDA has not approved borax for human consumption. However, it is approved for use in some types of food packaging.
Borax is commonly used in pesticides, household cleaning agents, odor eliminators, laundry detergents, and some cosmetic products. The U.S. The Environmental Protection (EPA) agency regulates borax as a pesticide but classifies it as a toxic substance in humans.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) advises against using products containing borax, including certain ‘green’ cleaning products, diaper creams, personal care items, and some children’s toys, due to the chemical’s toxic effects, such as hormone disruption and skin and eye irritation.
Why Borax Drinking is Dangerous
For the reasons mentioned above, such as neurological problems, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, mood changes, hormone disruption, kidney damage, and others, drinking toxic borax is dangerous — even when diluted in water.
Unfortunately, false claims spread on social media may influence worrisome behaviors, particularly among children and other vulnerable populations.
Engaging in unverified and potentially dangerous health trends poses significant risks, including overconsumption, adverse effects, and even fatal outcomes when consuming borax or high levels of boron. The potential for troublesome health problems is heightened among babies, children, teenagers, pregnant and nursing women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
What to Do If Borax is Ingested
If you or a family member accidentally ingests borax, particularly if they develop symptoms of excessive borax or boron exposure, take the following immediate steps:
- Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room in the case of severe side effects
- Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or use the Poison Control online tool
- Thoroughly rinse irritated skin exposed to borax with soap and water
- Rinse eyes exposed to borax for at least 15 minutes with room temperature water
- Drink plain water if you swallow borax
- Move to fresh air after inhaling borax
Seek prompt medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild.
To reduce exposure to borax in cleaning products, use protective gear like gloves, masks, or goggles and ensure adequate ventilation. You can also choose natural cleaning agents and cosmetic products instead.
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Key Takeaways
- Despite alleged health claims associated with drinking borax (e.g., reduced inflammation, weight loss, hormone balance, and detoxification), borax is toxic and dangerous when ingested.
- Borax is used in household cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, some personal care items, certain pliable children’s toys, and pesticides.
- Ingesting borax poses dangers such as gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage, hormone disruption, mood changes, neurological symptoms, and in extreme cases, coma or death.
- Making informed decisions before trying TikTok trends, particularly those involving toxic chemicals, is important.
- Obtain professional health advice before adopting new diets or health trends. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one ingests, experiences a skin reaction to, or inhales borax or similar chemicals.
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