In nature, boron occurs in combination with oxygen in compounds called borates. Borates are found in soil, water, plants and animals. Borates are essential for growing plants and nutritionally important for people. Every year, tens of thousands of tons of borates are used by farmers to increase crop yield. You can find borates in wide range of everyday products - cups and plates, insulation, laundry detergents, cosmetics and personal care product to name a few.

How do our bodies handle borates?
Our bodies handle boron like any other nutrient, whether it is ingested or inhaled. In fact, people eat between three to five milligrams of boron every day as part of a healthy diet. Boron does not build up in our bodies; our bodies manage intake by using what is required and excreting the rest.

Are borate-treated building materials safe for people?
All borate products have an excellent reputation for safety when used as directed, including borate wood preservatives. Borate-treated building materials are safe for people - including homebuilders and homeowners - as well as pets.

Are borate-treated building materials safe for the environment?
Borates do not degrade in use and are safe for the environment. In many jurisdictions, borate-treated Borate wood preservatives can be handled and disposed of in the same manner as untreated wood. Borates increase the durability and useful life of wood, helping to reduce the volume of wood sent for disposal and reducing the need for further remedial treatments to protect structures against biological degradation.

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Questions and Answers about Borates Health Effects