Sodium tetraborate (Borax)

Other names: Sodium tetraborate, Sodium borate, E285

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Sodium tetraborate, more commonly known as borax, sodium tetraborate, sodium borate or in the food industry as E285, is a chemical used in many industries. It is a white powder with no particular taste or odour, soluble in water and non-toxic to the human body. It is a compound of boron and sodium, which is the main raw material for the production of many boron products.

Borax is used extensively in industry, especially in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, where it serves as a fusing ingredient. Another important sector is the textile industry, where borax is used as a water softener and for pH control. In the food industry, borax is used as a preservative with the code E285, but its use in food is restricted or banned in some countries (including the European Union) due to suspected toxic effects at high doses. Borax is also used in cosmetics as an emulsifier or as a pH neutraliser. In the home, it can be used as an all-purpose cleaner or to remove mould and insects. In addition to the above uses, borax is also used in agriculture as a fertiliser or in medicine to treat certain skin diseases.