Borax-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

Exposure to boron and related compounds, such as borax, have been recently implicated as a potential cause of Chronic Kidney Disease in Southeast Asia[1].

For readers that do not have a clue about chemistry: boron (B) isn't the same as borax (Na₂H₂₀B₄O₁₇) as some websites erroneously claim.

Borax (or sodium borate) is not safe for human consumption. It is a naturally occurring mineral used in cleaning products, laundry detergents, pesticides, and industrial applications. Ingesting borax can cause serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, organ damage or death.

Some online sources, particularly in 'alternative health communities', have promoted borax for supposed health benefits, like treating arthritis or balancing hormones. These claims lack any scientific evidence and are potentially dangerous. Studies indicate borax can cause toxicity at doses as low as 2-3 grams in children and 10-20 grams in adults. There is no established safe level of borax for human consumption. The FDA has not approved borax as a food additive, and it is considered toxic when consumed, even in small amounts.

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. But in the real world, where science reigns supreme, there are no proven health benefits associated with drinking borax, and it has not been approved for any health-related use.

Drinking toxic borax is extremely dangerous — even when diluted in water – and can lead to serious health problems, such as neurological problems, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, mood changes, hormone disruption, and chronic kidney damage. Toxicity of borax may lead to cellular toxicity and even genetic defects in humans[2].

Unfortunately, false claims spread on social media, may influence worrisome behaviours, particularly among children and mentally challenged adults.

Scientific research suggests that acute borax toxicity can lead to acute kidney insufficiency in humans[1].

We propose to call this Chronic Kidney Disease of non-Traditional causes (CKDnT): Borax-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease.

[1] Pahl et al: Boron and the kidney in Journal of Renal Nutrition - 2005
[2] Pongsavee: Effect of borax on immune cell proliferation and sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes in Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology - 2009