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2 clusters · 4 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Brazil regulatory warnings on borax in slime

Overview

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) has updated regulation RDC 1.030/2026 to prohibit substances including boric acid, boric oxide, and various borates, such as borax, from cosmetics and personal hygiene products. This regulatory shift aligns Brazil with international and Mercosul standards due to toxicological evidence regarding reproductive and developmental risks.

Health specialists and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics have issued warnings regarding the use of these chemicals as activators in homemade slime. While borax remains authorized for use in fertilizers, medicines, and cleaning products, experts note that its use in slime is unregulated.

Medical professionals caution that while skin absorption of boron derivatives is relatively low during brief contact, risks increase significantly with high concentrations, prolonged exposure, or if children have skin conditions such as dermatitis, burns, or fissures.

Entities

Mercosul · Anvisa · Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Health experts warn of risks from slime ingredients like borax

    Experts warn that ingredients like borax and boric acid used in homemade slime pose health risks, particularly regarding reproductive development and skin irritation.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Anvisa issues warnings over borax use in homemade slime

    Anvisa has updated regulations to prohibit boric acid and borax in cosmetics due to developmental risks, prompting health warnings regarding their use in homemade slime by children.

Sources

brasil.perfil.com · istoe.com.br · portalveneza.com.br · tribunademinas.com.br