More Information on Borates

Unlike other litters on the market, Cats Incredible™ litter does not contain borate or boric acid forms. Borates and boric acid are used in such products as laundry detergents, fungicides, insecticides, and teeth-bleaching chemicals. Studies have shown that borates can be irritants to the eyes and skin. Chronic exposure to borates can produce eye irritation, cough, and skin rash. Higher doses of exposure have been linked with seizures and convulsions. In some countries, including the European Union, borates are considered to be a class 1B carcinogen and mutagen and have been banned in the use of all personal and cosmetic applications. Therefore, we would not use borates in our Cats Incredible™ formulas.

On 6/11/15, the European Chemicals Agency elected to include boric acid and sodium tetraborate, or borax, to its list of chemicals of very high concern in Article 57 in Annex XIV of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation. The EU Chemical Agency has given these molecules the classification of Category 1B, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction.

Many countries including Indonesia, Canada, and Europe have banned or warned against the use of these molecules in cosmetics, household cleaners, and pesticides due to overexposure, which leads to developmental and reproductive health effects. Europe has banned with no exception the use in cosmetic products.