People Are Consuming Borax in New TikTok Trend, Experts Warn of Dangers.
TikTok, known for hosting various viral trends, has once again become a platform for a dangerous practice.
Influencers on social media, specifically TikTok, have been promoting the consumption of borax as a supposed remedy for inflammation, despite health experts warning against it.
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a salt found in a white, powdery substance. It contains boron, sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen and is commonly used in laundry detergents, insecticides, and cleaning supplies.
However, it has also been used inappropriately by some individuals who falsely claim that adding a pinch of borax to smoothies or coffee can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, lupus, or other health issues. These claims have been debunked by health professionals.
Experts have raised significant concerns about the trend and have been actively trying to discourage people from consuming borax.
According to Dr. Johnson-Arbor, a toxicology physician and co-medical director at the National Capital Poison Center, borax is a poisonous compound that should never be ingested. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that swallowing borax has any health benefits, particularly for treating inflammation. Instead, ingesting borax can cause stomach irritation and may lead to symptoms such as blue-green vomit or diarrhea. Over time, it can even cause anemia and seizures.
A chemist specializing in organic chemistry, with a substantial following of over 1.8 million viewers, has also expressed concern over the trend, calling it “patently dangerous.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has long identified borax as dangerous when ingested. It can cause a range of adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin flushing, rash, excitation, convulsions, depression, and vascular collapse. In severe cases, borax poisoning can lead to kidney damage, seizures, and even death.
U.S. Borax, a company associated with borax products, has issued a warning against the ingestion of its product, stating that their products are not intended for internal use or as dietary ingredients, pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter active ingredients, or food additives.
Sadly, the consumption of borax in pursuit of viral trends has resulted in serious consequences in the past. In April, a 13-year-old boy from Ohio, USA, tragically died after overdosing on over-the-counter medication while attempting the ‘Benadryl Challenge,’ a TikTok trend that encouraged viewers to take large doses of the antihistamine to induce hallucinations.
Health experts and medical professionals continue to emphasize the dangers of ingesting borax and advise against participating in such dangerous trends, urging users to prioritize their well-being and safety over viral challenges that can have severe health consequences.
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