Effects of boron exposure on human reproduction and development

Boric acid and sodium borates are classified as toxic to reproduction under category 1B, with the hazard statement of H360FD in the EU-CLP regulation. This classification has triggered occupational epidemiology studies on boron (B) in countries with high boron reserves, especially in China and T0rkiye. The highest mean total daily B exposure (DBE) levels in mining areas or processing plants of China and T0rkiye were 41.2 and 47.17 mg/day respectively. Despite these reported high exposure levels in occupational settings, B-mediated reproductive effects have not been observed. The highest mean blood-boron concentrations (BBC) reported for the B exposed workers in these countries, are still much lower than the BBC corresponding to the NOAEL for reproductive effects in rats. The current epidemiological studies have proven that it will not be possible to reach the critical BBC in humans for the reproductive and developmental effects, especially in daily life.