Borax challenge: Dangerous TikTok trend spreading on social media

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HOUSTON — If you have been on TikTok lately, you may have seen people talking about the health benefits of drinking borax, which is a chemical compound containing boron that is used as a laundry detergent, among other things.

First thing is first: Don't drink borax. According to the National Capital Poison Center, borax can be poisonous when eaten, inhaled, or applied to the skin. Short-term consumption can cause vomiting and diarrhea, while longer exposure can result in anemia and seizures.

According to Vox, 34 million viewers have engaged with the borax challenge on TikTok, with some calling it, "The Tide pod challenge for boomers."

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The posts claim that putting borax in your morning smoothie can have detoxifying effects. Others recommend soaking in the substance, which can cause severe skin irritation, swelling, and dryness.

Like so many other social media trends, it's hard to tell how many people are experimenting with this dangerous practice. There's at least one Facebook group dedicated to ingesting and bathing in borax that has more than 40,000 members.

According to reports, TikTok removed some of the videos touting the trend, but the speed at which the challenge has spread has concerned experts. They recommend parents educate their kids about being skeptical about health and wellness advice posted on social media.

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