• Borax is an ages-old, white, powdery multi-purpose cleaner and "laundry booster." It is used to clean cookware, carpet and household appliances and works as a deodorizer. Borax is a natural product composed of sodium tetraborate decahydrate, also known as boron or boric acid, which can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
  
  

Skin

• Borax is a component of some hand cleaners and facial creams, but it is considered safe in those instances because it is combined with other ingredients. Borax can irritate the skin, especially with direct contact, so the use of gloves is recommended.
  
  

Eyes

• Borax can also irritate the eyes. According to the package, if it does get in the eyes, you should "rinse with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, call a physician."
  
  

Ingestion

• Borax is a natural product, and is generally considered safe, but it is not meant for ingestion. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the results of studies that found a connection between mortality in rats and ingestion of boron. According to the 20 Mule Team package, ingestion of Borax warrants the following: "Rinse mouth, give a large glassful of water or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Call a physician immediately."