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BORIC ACID

ICSC: 0991

Boracic acid
Orthoboric acid
H3BO3
Molecular mass: 61.8
ICSC # 0991 		CAS # 10043-35-3
RTECS # ED4550000
October 26, 1994 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. May be absorbed through injured skin.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety spectacles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Skin rash.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from strong bases.

ICSC: 0991 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

BORIC ACID

ICSC: 0991

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS, COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 100°C producing water and irritant boric anhydride. The solution in water is a weak acid. Incompatible with alkali carbonates and hydroxides.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV:
(Inhalable fraction)
2 mg/m3 as TWA, 6 mg/m3 as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2008).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 171°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.4
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 5.6
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: negligible

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Borofax is a trade name.
Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0991 BORIC ACID
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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