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, accidental sodium borate poisoning usually occurs when someone swallows powdered roach-killing products that contain the chemical.

Poisoning may also occur in those who are repeatedly exposed 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 commonly used 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.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of boric acid poisoning is blue-green vomiting, diarrhea, and a bright red rash on the skin. Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Twitching of facial muscles, arms, hands, legs, and feet
• Convulsions
• Significantly decreased urine output (or none)
• Collapse
• Blisters
• Sloughing of skin
• Low blood pressure
• Drowsiness
• Lack of desire to do anything
• Coma

Home Treatment

If the chemical is on the skin, remove by washing the area thoroughly.

If the chemical was swallowed, seek medical treatment immediately.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

If you suspect possible poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Call 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.

What to expect at the emergency room

Treatment depends on the individual symptoms. Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping).
• Dialysis
• Liquids by mouth or IV
• Transfusion (rare)

Note: Activated charcoal does not effectively treat (absorb) boric acid.

Expectations (prognosis)

For infants, the death rate from boric acid poisonings is high.

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.