Home :: What are borates?
What are borates?
Boron is a naturally-occurring element. It is typically combined with other substances to form borates, including boric acid, salts of borates, and boron oxide.
Where is it found?
Boron is released naturally into the environment by oceans, volcanoes, and geothermal steam. It is also mined and used by many industries. Borates are used largely to produce glass. Boric acid is used in flame retardants, medicines, pesticides, and wood preservatives.
Why should I be concerned?
Low-dose exposure can cause respiratory and skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Borates have not been thoroughly tested for health effects in humans, but the EPA has found potential developmental toxicity (especially on the testes). Borates are considered safer to human health and the environment than other flame retardants (like PBDEs and PCBs) and wood preservaties (like arsenic).
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the ATSDR ToxFAQs for Boron and the Wikipedia entry for borate.
