Fact Check: Is Epsom salt highly toxic?

Hyderabad: Social media users are sharing a post claiming that Epsom salt is highly toxic. Users claim that consuming or using it for bathing is harmful.

“Epsom Salts are highly toxic, poison. Synthetically derived in a laboratory and releases sulfuric acid in your bathtub. I started getting severe tremors from Epsom Salt baths and had no idea wtf at first, then did the research and learned that only the Magnesium Flakes (magnesium chloride) are mined and healthy, and the salts are no bueno. THE MORE YOU KNOW…,” reads the post.

Let’s get deeper into it.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

Is Epsom salt safe for humans?

Yes, Epsom salt is generally safe and easy to use, says Healthline.

“Epsom salt may help ease constipation when taken as a supplement (NOT CRUDE). It can also be used as a beauty product or bath salt. There isn’t a lot of evidence to support all of its reported benefits. Its positive effects are mostly anecdotal at this point, and more research is needed on its functions,” it adds.

It should be noted that, although mild consumption as a supplement is safe there could be some serious repercussions of Epsom salt intake if taken orally in its original form or overdosed.

Moving forward, according to Medical News Today, ‘People sometimes soak their bodies in Epsom salt baths or drink Epsom salt after dissolving it in a glass of water. However, some people should not consume Epsom salt at all. These include those with kidney disease or heart disease, pregnant women, and children.’

Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Epsom salt, so there are no official guidelines regarding the proper dosage or how to consume it.

A study states, “Epsom salts contain the active compound magnesium sulfate and is used most commonly as a laxative. There are potential serious toxic effects, including cardiac arrest, when the serum concentration rises above therapeutic values.”

So basically, Epsom salt has potential harm to your kidneys and heart but a small amount may not be fatal. Epsom salt supplement is generally safe as laxatives but one need to avoid overdose.

However, it is safe when used for bathing if you do not have sensitive skin. Do a patch test before soaking yourself in.