Videos on TikTok promoting the ingestion of powdered laundry detergent have gone viral, with users falsely claiming the substance is non-toxic.
Borax, described by health professionals as “stupid health trend” You never saw him take over the TikTok piece after several users claimed they “jumped on the borax bandwagon,” an alleged body cleaning fad that involves using a powdered household cleaner.
Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral that combines boron, sodium, and oxygen.
This is by no means a new discovery and has been used as a household cleaner and laundry detergent for many years, although it can also be found in small doses in toothpastes, cosmetics and pesticides.
But it’s only recently that the substance has taken on a life of its own on TikTok, where users have begun to praise the mineral’s alleged benefits in viral videos.
What is #boraxchallenge and why is it bad?
TikTok users claim that add a pinch of borax to a glass of water it can help manage a variety of health issues such as erectile dysfunction and kidney stones. Others say that swim with a pinch Borax in a bath of water will improve the appearance of the skin.
But there is absolutely no evidence that ingesting borax can have any of these health benefits, quite the opposite.
According to him US National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthWhen inhaled, borax can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract, as well as dermatitis, nosebleeds, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
WebMD, a health news and information platform, writes that borax can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if swallowed alone, while large amounts can lead to shock and kidney failure. In the United States, borax is banned from foods.
Medical experts on TikTok and in the media have been criticizing this trend, warning users of the dangers of ingesting borax.
“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy to eat. Remember that arsenic is also natural,” says the doctor, who calls himself Dr. Eadz, on TikTok in a video posted to the platform.
The claim that borax is not toxic – in small doses or at any dose – as claimed by some on TikTok has been debunked by fact-checkers, who have determined that the substance is found to be toxic to reproductive health. European Chemicals and Preparations Agency.
The agency writes that the bura “may impair fertility and harm the unborn child” and is considered hazardous according to the harmonized classification and labeling of the EU.
The ECA adds that the use of borax as a biocide — a chemical used to control pests such as pesticides — was previously permitted in the EEA and/or Switzerland, but the permit has expired.
When asked about the spread of disinformation on the platform, TikTok indicated to various media outlets, including Vox and NBC News, that they do not consider fighting the brown trend and that most of the videos about it are anti-substance use.
Euronews Next contacted TikTok to ask for a review.