Some pesticides used for cockroach control and some wood preservatives also contain borates. Boron is released to the environment from natural sources such as oceans, volcanoes, and geothermal steam. Boron is also released from industries that use it. No information is available on how long boron remains in air, water, or soil. Boron does not appear to accumulate in fish or other organisms in water.
Boron accumulates in plants and is found in foods, mainly fruits and vegetables.
In air, water, and food at low levels Drinking water that contains it from areas where boron is found naturally at high levels in the earth Eating foods containing high levels Working in borax mining and refining plants and at sites where boric acid is manufactured Using consumer products that contain it, such as cosmetics and laundry products. There is little information on the health effects of long-term exposure to boron. Most of the studies are on short-term exposures. Breathing moderate levels of boron can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. Reproductive effects, such as low sperm count, were seen in men exposed to boron over the long-term.