Do you use a white umbrella to wash clothes, scrub tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, or make that sticky "slime" that your kids make? Most of the time, it's Borax. It's something that's common in many of our homes. But have we ever wondered what this borax really is, how safe it is, or what dangers it can cause? Today, we'll talk about this in a little more detail .
Simply put, what is Borax?
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. Chemically, it is called sodium borate. This means that it is made up of the elements boron, sodium, and oxygen. It is usually found in places like the bottom of dry lakes.
But there's something else we shouldn't confuse here. That's boric acid . Although both borax and boric acid are made from the same chemical compound, their uses and functions are quite different.
- Borax: We usually use it to clean our homes.
- Boric Acid: This is mainly used as an insecticide . It kills insects by damaging their nervous system and stomach.
The most important thing is that both these powders, borax and boric acid, can be very dangerous, especially if ingested by a small child. They can also be harmful to the skin.
What else is borax used for?
Although it is best known as a cleaner, borax can be found in a number of other products.
- Some special toothpastes and mouthwashes.
- In cosmetics such as lotions, skin creams, and moisturizers.
- Types of paints and ceramic glazes.
- In herbicides.
- As we said before, make "slime", which is popular among children.
Imagine, sometimes your little one asks for borax to make slime. As parents, we need to be very careful because these can easily go down the fingers and into the mouth.
What are the health risks of borax?
This is where we all need to pay the most attention. Even though we think that borax is a harmless, natural substance, it is not. It is a powerful chemical.
Accidental ingestion of borax can cause symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea . Ingestion of large amounts can lead to shock and even kidney failure. For this reason, the use of borax in food products has been completely banned in countries such as the United States.
Not only that,
- Skin and eyes: May cause irritation and redness of the skin and eyes.
- Inhalation: This powder can cause damage to the nose, throat, and lungs if inhaled.
- Long-term effects: Some studies have found that frequent exposure to borax can cause skin rashes and affect the male reproductive system.
| Possible symptoms of a borax overdose | |
|---|---|
| Headache | Body weakness |
| Feeling dizzy (Lightheadedness) | Tremors |
| Loss of consciousness | Vomiting and diarrhea |
What can be used instead of borax?
Due to the dangers of borax, we can use much safer things we have in our kitchen to clean our homes.
| Safe option | Usable methods |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | You can mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean areas like sinks, counters, and floors. |
| Lemon | It's great for removing soap scum and hard water stains. You can mix it with baking soda to make a paste and scrub it on dishes and other surfaces. |
| Baking Soda | A good cleaner that won't scratch surfaces. It can be used to remove odors from garbage cans, refrigerators, and added to laundry. |
Okay, so how do you protect yourself if you use borax?
If you must use borax for any reason, be sure to follow these safety precautions. This is very important for your safety and that of your family.
- Wear Gloves: Be sure to wear gloves before handling borax.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Open windows and doors and use borax in a well-ventilated area. This will reduce the risk of inhaling the powder.
- Change clothes: If you accidentally get borax on your clothes, change them immediately and wash them.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: After using borax, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking water, applying makeup, and using the toilet.
- If in eyes or skin: Immediately flush the area with running water for at least 15 minutes.
- If inhaled: Move the affected person to a well-ventilated area. If breathing is difficult, provide first aid.
Very important: If someone, especially a child, accidentally ingests Borax, immediately take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without any hesitation. Also, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Also talk to your family doctor about this and get further information.
Take-Home Message
- Borax, although natural, is not harmless. It is a powerful chemical.
- Borax should never be eaten or drunk for any reason. It is highly toxic.
- Always keep borax away from small children and pets and store it safely out of their reach.
- If using borax, be sure to follow safety measures, such as wearing gloves and good ventilation.
- In case of accidental ingestion or skin/eye contact, seek medical advice immediately. Go to the nearest ETU or contact the National Poisons Information Centre.
- Instead of borax, safer alternatives such as vinegar, lime, and baking soda can be used to clean your home.
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