Comparing E285 - Sodium tetraborate (borax) vs E330 - Citric acid
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Found in 13 products
Found in 95,503 products
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Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
How to make slime without borax?
Mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water (add a drop of food coloring) to make a simple borax-free “oobleck”; adjust ratios to change firmness. Other borate-free options include gelatin- or psyllium-fiber-based slimes.
Is borax toxic?
Yes—borax (sodium tetraborate) can irritate skin/eyes and is harmful if swallowed; chronic high exposure to boron compounds is linked to reproductive toxicity. It’s not permitted as a food additive in the EU or US, so keep it away from food and children.
What is borax used for?
It’s used in detergents/cleaners, laboratory buffers, flame retardants, metal fluxes, and as an insecticide; in food it was historically used as a preservative/firming agent but this use is largely banned.
Does borax kill ants?
Yes—when mixed into a sugar or protein bait, small amounts of borax are carried back to the colony and kill ants over time; place baits carefully and keep them away from children and pets.
How to make slime with borax?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 1 cup warm water; in another bowl mix 4 oz white glue with 1/2 cup water and coloring, then slowly add the borax solution while stirring until it gels and knead. Do not ingest, avoid contact with eyes, and wash hands after use (gloves if sensitive).
Is citric acid bad for you?
At typical food levels, citric acid (E330) is considered safe by major regulators (GRAS; EFSA/JECFA). Concentrated or frequent acidic exposure can irritate the mouth/stomach or contribute to tooth enamel erosion.
Where does the citric acid cycle occur?
In eukaryotic cells it occurs in the mitochondrial matrix; in bacteria it occurs in the cytosol.
What does citric acid do to your body?
It is a normal intermediate in energy metabolism and is readily metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Citrate can bind minerals, which may enhance absorption of some and help prevent certain kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate.
Where does citric acid come from?
It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but most food-grade citric acid is produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, beet, or cane) with Aspergillus niger.
How is citric acid made?
Industrially, sugars are fermented with Aspergillus niger to produce citric acid, then it is recovered and purified—often by precipitating calcium citrate and converting it back with sulfuric acid or via ion-exchange/crystallization.