What Are Some Cleaning Products That Contain Borax?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Household Products Database has listed numerous cleaning products containing borax, including Seventh Generation laundry liquid. Additional borax-containing products included Lysol All Purpose 4-in-1 Disinfectant All Purpose Cleaner and Method Le Scrub Bathroom Cleaner.
Aerosol products such as Air Wick’s Rain Garden air freshener and Windex Foaming Glass Cleaner were also listed along with liquid laundry detergents made by Cheer, Gain, and Tide. Other cleaning products include OdoBan Professional Series Biological Solutions BioDrain Grease and Waste Digester, Resolve Laundry Stain Remover, Luron Powdered Hand Soap, and Ponds Cleaning Cream.
Borax, also known as sodium borate decahydrate, is a naturally-occurring mineral, and it is a natural product that is widely considered safe when used responsibly. About.com points out that the Environmental Protection Agency lists borax as having moderate to acute toxicity. In addition to irritating the skin and eyes, acute exposure to borax can also cause headaches and other nervous system problems, respiratory troubles and gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and diarrhea, according to the Environmental Working Group.
While using a cleaning product that contains borax, wear gloves to avoid skin contact. Additionally, avoid inhaling dust associated with powdered cleaning products.
