It is often found combined with other substances to form compounds called borates. Common borate compounds include boric acid, salts of borates, and boron oxide. Several companies in the United States produce most of the world's borates by processing boron compounds. Borates are used mostly to produce glass. They are also used in fire retardants, leather tanning industries, cosmetics, photographic materials, soaps and cleaners, and for high-energy fuel.
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.