>Borate is a non-toxic salt that is able to migrate to moist areas
>where insects or fungi are active.
 
BIG has it right here.  Be aware that in the chemical world, that "-ate"
on the end can make all the difference.  Sodium borate, also called
borax, isn't the same thing as boric acid, but is instead a salt made
up of of sodium and boric acid.  (For anyone who cares, boric acid is
H3BO3, and borax is Na2B4O7-10H2O.)
 
As it happens, though, *both* may be dangerous, though it appears that
borate may be less dangerous than boric acid.  (But be aware that salts
generally release their individual components easily - in other words
dissolve some borate and you'll get some boric acid.) Search for "borate
poisoning" on the web and you'll come up with a considerable number of
hits.
 
"Safe" pesticides always assume careful handling by humans.  If you
don't touch it, don't eat it, and don't breath it, you're fairly safe.
Unfortunately our fuzzy friends can't be counted on to stay out of that
exciting new powder with the funny smell that just appeared along the
baseboards...
 
roger & the weezul
missing bear and lancelot
[Posted in FML issue 4261]