Ruqayyah Snyder
Borax is a naturally occurring compound with several uses, including cleaning, cosmetics, and homemade slime. It is a white crystalline solid that is commonly available in powder or granular form. While it is banned in the UK due to its potentially harmful nature, it is legal to sell in Australia as a household cleaner or pesticide. In this article, we will explore the different forms and uses of borax in Australia and provide information on where to purchase it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White |
| Form | Powder or Granules |
| Uses | Cleaning agent, Water softener, Insecticide, Component in cosmetics, enamel glazes, ceramics, and slime |
| Legal Status | Banned in the UK; Legal to sell in Australia only as a household cleaner or pesticide |
| Food Ingredient | Banned in Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Borax is a white, crystalline solid
Borax is a naturally occurring compound found in evaporite deposits, which are mineral deposits caused by the evaporation of lakes. It is commonly known as sodium borate or sodium tetraborate. It is a white, crystalline solid that is often sold in powder or granular form.
Borax has a variety of industrial and household uses. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent, stain remover, and deodorizer. It can be added to laundry detergent to enhance its performance, soften water, and remove tough stains. It is also used in the creation of slime, a goopy substance that is popular among children.
In addition to its cleaning and recreational uses, borax is employed in various industrial applications. It serves as a flux for welding and soldering, a component of glass and ceramics, a preservative, and an emulsifier in cosmetics. It is also used in water softening treatments and as a pesticide.
While borax has many beneficial uses, it is important to handle it with care. It should be kept away from children and pets and is for external use only. It should not be ingested, as it can be harmful if consumed. Gloves are recommended when using borax powder, and it should be stored safely, separate from food items.
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It's a salt of boric acid
Borax, also known as boron, sodium borate, or sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral found in "evaporite deposits", or mineral deposits caused by the evaporation of lakes. It is commonly sold as a cleaning product in Australia, and can be used to scrub, disinfect, deodorise, and remove tough stains. It is also used in cosmetics and homemade slime.
Borax is the salt of boric acid. Chemically, they are different compounds. Boric acid is a weak acid and a compound of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula B(OH)3. It is usually found as a colourless crystal or white powder that dissolves in water. It is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, or neutron absorber.
Borax is created when boric acid is processed and purified, with sodium replacing hydrogen. It is very alkaline in solution. While borax is essentially non-toxic to adult humans, boric acid has been found to be lethal in doses of 5-20 g/kg for adults. However, it is important to note that the toxicity of boric acid and its salts is a subject of controversy.
Borax and boric acid are both used as pesticides and insecticides, although borax is also used in cosmetics, while boric acid is used in electroplating and wood treatment.
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It's used as a cleaning product
Borax is a naturally occurring compound commonly used for scrubbing, disinfecting, and deodorising. It is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used as an all-purpose cleaner. It is safe to use as a household cleaner and laundry booster, provided that the instructions on the product container are carefully followed. It is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning with borax and to wash hands immediately after use. Borax should also be kept out of the reach of children and pets and should not be ingested.
Borax can be used in various ways for household cleaning. It can be mixed with water to create an all-purpose cleaning spray for countertops, windows, and appliances, removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. A paste made from borax and water can also be applied to pots and pans, helping to scrub away burnt-on food and stains without scratching surfaces. Additionally, sprinkling borax powder into a garbage disposal can neutralise odours and clean blades of oils or fatty deposits.
When doing laundry, adding borax to the detergent can enhance its performance, soften water, and remove tough stains. It is especially effective in removing mildew, mould, and dirt from clothes, making them whiter and brighter. Borax can also be used to clean vinyl or tile floors by sprinkling a small amount into a bucket of warm water before mopping.
In Australia, borax is legal to sell and purchase, but only in the form of household cleaners or pesticides. It is banned from being sold or used as a food additive. Some companies manufacture borax-based cleaning products, such as kitchen surface sprays, dish soap, and laundry detergents. It is important to note that while borax is a natural and effective cleaning agent, it should be handled with care and used according to the instructions on the product packaging.
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It's banned as a food additive in Australia
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral found in evaporite deposits. It is commonly available in powder or granular form and has many industrial and household uses. While it is legal to sell borax in Australia, it is banned as a food additive.
Borax is a versatile substance with a variety of applications. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent, particularly for stain removal, odour elimination, and the cleaning of cookware and garbage disposals. It is also used in laundry to enhance detergent performance, soften water, and brighten clothes. Additionally, borax serves as a component in cosmetics, ceramics, and homemade slime. It is also employed as a pesticide and has antifungal properties.
Despite its numerous uses, borax is prohibited from being sold or used as a food or food ingredient in Australia, specifically in New South Wales, where it violates Australian poisons legislation. The reason for this ban is that borax is considered a toxic substance that poses a significant risk to human health when ingested. Symptoms of borax ingestion can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and red eyes. These symptoms may appear within 2 to 4 hours of consuming borax.
Retailers and grocers in Australia are advised to refrain from selling borax as a food ingredient and to keep it separate from other food items. If borax packaging suggests it is intended for consumption, with nutritional details or information panels, consumers are instructed to contact the NSW Food Authority or their local council. The sale of borax as a food item is illegal and poses a serious health hazard to those who may mistakenly consume it. Therefore, while borax has various permitted uses in Australia, its utilisation as a food additive is strictly prohibited due to health and safety concerns.
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It's used in cosmetics
In Australia, borax is a powdery white mineral commonly used as a cleaning product and pesticide. It is also an ingredient in cosmetics, used as an emulsifier, buffering agent, or preservative. Borax is often found in moisturisers, creams, shampoos, gels, lotions, bath bombs, scrubs, and bath salts, and even laundry detergents.
Borax is a versatile and naturally occurring compound with powerful antifungal properties. It is mined from mineral deposits, typically found in arid locations such as deserts and dried lake beds. The biggest borax deposits are in Turkey and the United States, with additional deposits in Chile, Tibet, and Romania, and South America.
Despite its versatility and natural origins, borax has raised health concerns due to its potential toxicity. Regulatory organisations and health experts advise caution when using borax in personal care and cosmetic products. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies borax as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its reproductive toxicity, indicating potential risks to human fertility and development.
To address these concerns, the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (CIR) Expert Panel in the United States reviewed borax and determined that it is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%. However, different countries may have varying regulations regarding borax in consumer products. For instance, Canada and the European Union restrict borax usage in cosmetic and health products, mandating labels that indicate inappropriate use on broken or damaged skin.
When using borax-containing products, it is essential to follow specified recommendations and expert advice. This includes minimising exposure, keeping borax away from the mouth, using gloves, and thoroughly rinsing surfaces and hands after use.
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Frequently asked questions
Borax is a white crystalline solid that is commonly available in powder or granular form.
You can buy borax powder in Australia from N-Essentials and Bare Essentials. Bare Essentials Borax is available at Coles and Woolworths.
Borax is used for cleaning and laundry in Australia. It is also used in cosmetics, slime, and as a pesticide.
