Boron & Human Health

Boron is a nutrient needed by the human body in small amounts. It cannot be synthesized in human cells, so it must be taken from outside sources. Until 1981, it was believed that element boron did not have any effects on the human body. Studies made after this date has shown that boron is a compulsory element with important effects on human body development. World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a daily usage of 2-3 milligrams.

It is a well known fact that all substances, even water, have toxic effects when consumed in high dosages. Besides, exposure to high dosages varies with the usage of the substance. European Union directive 67/548/EEC concerning the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous materials has classified boron and boron derivatives under 'category 2' as 'toxic material with adverse effects on reproduction'. This classification is based on the experiments carried out on animals, in which very high dosages not met in daily human life is used.

Such effects are only observed in boron mine workers and workers working in boron industry, who are subject to excessive dosages through respiration. The review of the European Food Safety Authority reports shows that daily boron intake from water and food can not exceed European Union limit values (EFSA 2004). In a completed project, that was supported by our Institute, daily boron intake was found to be 6.48 milligrams per day. The dangerous upper limits for boron and its derivatives are not yet determined precisely but WHO has declared an upper limit of 13 milligrams per day.

In the epidemiologic studies made so far on people in our country and on earth, no toxic effect of boron on reproduction has been observed. In all objection reports prepared by Turkey, European Union was warned to evaluate the scientific data compiled on this subject. European Union authorities have stated that there are not enough experiments and studies made on human beings; hence results of animal experiments are used.