First, they're safe. Used for centuries, borates pose no risk to people, animals or the environment under normal handling and use. Even those who handle borates every day have experienced no adverse health effects. Second, they're versatile. In some applications, there is simply no substitute for borates. In other products and processes, their natural functions impart a wide range of performance, cost, environmental health and safety advantages.

			Metabolising Effects In certain organisms, borates can inhibit metabolic processes. This makes them useful in controlling insects, bacteria and fungi in everything from construction timbers to cosmetics.

			Bleaching Effects Another key chemical effect comes into play in laundry detergents and other cleaning products, where borates are important components in bleaching and stain removal.

			Buffering Effects The chemical properties of borates serve to balance acidity and alkalinity in many applications. Detergents, fireworks and film processing solutions all rely on borates for a stable pH.

			Dispersing Effects Borates are able to bond with other particles to keep different ingredients dispersed evenly and are used to control viscosity in paints, adhesives and cosmetics.

			Vitrifying Effects Borates modify the structure of glass to make it resistant to heat or chemical attack. In the same way, they facilitate the production of ultra-thin LCD screens, functional fiberglass and beautiful ceramic tiles and glazes.

			Inhibiting Effects Borates interact with surfaces containing iron to form a coating which protects the metal from corrosion. They are important additives in products as diverse as antifreeze and aerosol cans.

			Flame-Proofing Effects Combined with zinc, borates are used to retard flames and suppress smoke in polymers that coat electrical cables. Borates also act as a flame retardant in cellulose insulation.

			Neutron Absorbing Effects Borates absorb neutrons in applications ranging from nuclear containment shield to treatments for cancer.