Birth defects were also seen in the offspring of female animals exposed during pregnancy. We don't know what the effects are in people from skin contact with boron. Animal studies have found skin irritation when boron was applied directly to the skin. One animal study found no evidence of cancer after lifetime exposure to boric acid in food. No human studies are available.
Tests are available to measure boron levels in blood and urine.
These tests must be done shortly after exposure, because most excess boron leaves the body through the urine within a few days of exposure. These tests are not usually performed in doctors' offices because special equipment is needed to conduct them. It is not known whether boron levels measured in the body can be used to predict whether health problems will occur. The EPA requires that discharges or spills into the environment of 100 pounds of more of boron trichloride and boron trifluoride be reported. This is the exposure level of a chemical that is likely to cause permanent health problems or death.