SB: Fw: Ask Dr. ZB

["Trkstr" <trkstr@hotmail.com>]

Well I heard back from borax if anyone is interested.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mu, Jacob (USBORAX)" <Jacob.Mu@borax.com>
To: <trkstr@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2002 9:17 AM
Subject: Ask Dr. ZB


Dear
Thanks for your interest in our product.

First, borate can be used as fire retardant for various cellulose-based
materials.  But the amount of the type of borate products used strongly
depend on the form of cellulosic material and the relevant fire tests
approved by ASTM (American Standards for Testing Materials).  One type of
application is "cellulose insulation" which involves adding Boric Acid/Borax
Pentahydrate powder (20% by weight) to ground newspaper print (80% by
weight) through a series of grinders or mills.  The resulting product has to
pass flame combustion and smoldering tests in order to be blown into attics
or walls.  The manufacturing process has to follow a set of strict
standards.  Another type of application which is still under development is
to add 15% Polybor (by weight) to 85% rice or wheat straw in order to pass
the fire test.  As you can see, the borate loading is significantly higher
than just 1%.

Borax or boric acid do not cause liver damage.  But an excessive amount
could cause reproductive damage based on animal test only.  There is no
proof that these test results are transferable to humans.

Again, borate can fireproof insulation products but the incorporation of
these chemicals need to be done by the industry and not by homeowners.

Jacob



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