Borax Misuse Discovered as the Latest TikTok Trend

According to NBC, Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicology physician and co-medical director at the National Capital Poison Center, is facing ongoing challenges as she addresses viral health trends. Presently, the focus is on the misapplication of borax, a powdery substance commonly used in laundry detergent and cleaning products, and boric acid, a related compound utilized for pest control against ants and cockroaches. 

The dissemination of unsubstantiated claims suggesting that ingesting borax or using it for soaking can alleviate inflammation, relieve joint pain, or detoxify the body has gained traction on platforms like TikTok. Despite having been flagged and removed from various social media platforms, influential TikTok users continue to promote these assertions. Health experts persistently underscore the dangers posed by these unsupported health fads. 

Dr. Johnson-Arbor unequivocally advises against employing borax in any health-related context, highlighting its potential to cause stomach irritation and severe symptoms, such as blue-green vomiting or diarrhea when ingested. Prolonged exposure to borax can lead to anemia, seizures, and skin rashes resembling the appearance of a boiled lobster, resulting in skin peeling.

She reiterates that there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that borax can effectively reduce inflammation or oxidative stress in humans. This issue extends beyond borax, as misinformation concerning various dietary supplements and products has proliferated on social media. Dr. Johnson-Arbor recently raised awareness about the risks associated with berberine, a weight loss supplement falsely marketed as “nature’s Ozempic” on TikTok, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Another concerning product is apetamin, a weight-gain supplement promoted as a means to achieve a “slim-thick” figure, but the FDA has issued warnings against its use due to potential side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and liver injury. 

Additionally, TikTok’s popularization of smelling salts by Nose Slap has attracted attention, but improper or prolonged inhalation of these salts can be toxic. Furthermore, the PRIME energy drink, acclaimed for its potent caffeine boost, contains an amount of caffeine equivalent to approximately six cans of Coca-Cola, raising safety concerns. 

To combat the spread of misinformation and dangerous health fads, TikTok has established guidelines aimed at addressing such content. The platform employs fact-checkers and moderation teams to identify false information, and content violating their policies can be removed or restricted from reaching larger audiences. 

Epidemiologist Wendy Stephan from the Florida Poison Information Center observes that people are drawn to these health fads, seeking quick and effortless solutions, particularly when faced with expensive or scarce prescription medications and limited access to medical appointments. TikTok creators present their advice in an engaging and seemingly credible manner, making it even more appealing to users. 

Medical professionals increasingly stress the importance of critical thinking and reliance on evidence-based information when making health-related decisions. The need for awareness and vigilance in combating health misinformation remains vital to safeguarding public health on social media platforms and beyond.