Sodium borate poisoning

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Symptoms

Treatment

Sodium borate poisoning

Definition:

Sodium borate is the main ingredient in boric acid. (Powdered boric acid is often used to kill cockroaches.)

Sodium borate poisoning can be acute or chronic. Acute, accidentalsodium borate poisoning usually occurs when someone swallows powdered roach-killing products that contain the chemical.

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Poisoning may alsooccur in those who are repeatedlyexposed to sodium borate. In the past,boric acid was used to disinfect and treat wounds. Patients who received such treatment over and over again got sick, and some died.Because boric acid is now known to be a dangerous poison, it is no longer commonlyused in medical preparations.However, boric acid is contained in some vaginal suppositories used for yeast infections, although this is NOT a standard treatment.

Alternative Names:
Borax poisoning; Boric acid poisoning; Borate poisoning
Poisonous Ingredient:

Sodium borate

Where Found:

Antiseptics and astringents
Medicated powders
Skin lotions
Roach powder
Some rodent and ant pesticides
Photographic agents
Some paints
Enamels and glazes
Glass fiber manufacture

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

References:

Ford MD.Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:750.

Cain WS. Sensory and associated reactions to mineral dusts: sodium borate, calcium oxide, and calcium sulfate. J Occup Environ Hyg. April 2004; 1(4): 222-36.

Matsuda K Toxicological analyses over the past five years at a single institution. Rinsho Byori.Oct. 2004; 52(10): 819-23.