What is a developmental or reproductive toxin?
When a chemical is introduced into the bodies of rats, mice or even humans and causes problems in the reproductive or development process, it is labeled as a developmental toxin or a reproductive toxin. This is the reason alcohol carries a warning label for expectant mothers. Since alcohol is directly consumed, there is also a high risk. In the case of borates, humans can safely consume 14 milligrams per day. The levels that would need to be consumed by a 180 lb. man to cause reproductive issues would be over 3000 milligrams per day – every day. This is where risk comes in. Boron cannot be absorbed through the skin. It would have to be consumed. So if you were applying five percent borate bait around the house, you wouldn’t get any exposure – but if you stopped and ate about eight pounds of the granular bait that would get you up to those levels. Of course, remember you have to do it every day. And eight pounds of bait would equal more than 90 cereal bowl-sized servings. Bon Appétit. T
Related Questions
- Considering the hundreds of years of safe use, why are borates categorized as a reproductive toxin by the European Union. Is there new information?
- How should reproductive or developmental toxicity data be evaluated for possible TSCA §8(e) submission if maternal toxicity is also present?
- What is a developmental or reproductive toxin?
