BORIC ACID
MSDS Number: B3696 --- Effective Date: 11/17/99
1. Product Identification
Synonyms: ortho-Boric acid; boracic acid; Borofax, boric acid (H3BO3)
CAS No.: 10043-35-3
Molecular Weight: 61.83
Chemical Formula: H3BO3
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker: 0084, 0091, 0092, 4035, 5168, 5599, 9820
Mallinckrodt: 1326, 1394, 2536, 2549, 2552, 7779, 7794
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ---------
Boric Acid 10043-35-3 100% Yes
3. Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
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WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES
AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, LIVER AND KIDNEYS.
J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your
convenience)
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Health Rating: 2 - Moderate
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 0 - None
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Orange (General Storage)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Inhalation:
Causes irritation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. May be
absorbed from the mucous membranes, and depending on the amount of exposure
could result in the development of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness,
rash, headache, fall in body temperature, low blood pressure, renal injury,
cyanosis, coma, and death.
Ingestion:
Symptoms parallel absorption via inhalation. Adult fatal dose reported at 5 to
> 30 grams.
Skin Contact:
Causes skin irritation. Not significantly absorbed through the intact skin.
Readily absorbed through damaged or burned skin. Symptoms of skin absorption
parallel inhalation and ingestion.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged absorption causes weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash,
convulsions and anemia. Liver and particularly the kidneys may be susceptible.
Studies of dogs and rats have shown that infertility and damage to testes can
result from acute or chronic ingestion of boric acid. Evidence of toxic
effects on the human reproductive system is inadequate.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems, or impaired liver,
kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the
substance.
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.
Ingestion:
Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Skin Contact:
Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap or mild detergent and
water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation develops or
persists. Wash clothing before re-use.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting
lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.
Explosion:
A mixture of potassium and boric acid may explode on impact.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved
self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the
pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective
equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Pick up and place in a suitable
container for reclamation or disposal, using a method that does not generate
dust.
7. Handling and Storage
Store in closed containers in a cool, dry area. Carbon steel or aluminum
containers are suitable for storage. Stainless steel is needed for moist
conditions. Use good housekeeping practices to prevent accumulation of dust
and follow sound cleaning techniques that will keep airborne particulates at a
low level. Wash hands after handling this material. Avoid contact especially
when skin is cut or abraided. Containers of this material may be hazardous
when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all
warnings and precautions listed for the product.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable fraction for nuisance dusts.
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
10 mg/m3 total dust containing no asbestos and < 1% crystalline silica for
Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC).
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee
exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is
generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at
its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please
refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of
Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be
worn for up to ten times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration
specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier,
whichever is lowest. A full-face piece dust/mist respirator may be worn up to
50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the
appropriate regulatory agency, or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest.
For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a
full-facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING:
Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient
atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Gloves and lab coat, apron or coveralls.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench
facilities in work area.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance:
White powder or granules.
Odor:
Odorless.
Solubility:
1g/18mL in cold water.
Density:
1.43
pH:
5.1 Aqueous solution: (0.1M)
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
Decomposes.
Melting Point:
169C (336F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
2.6 @ 20C (68F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.
10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage. If moisture is present,
boric acid can be corrosive to iron.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Loses chemically combined water upon heating, forming metaboric acid (HBO2) at
212-221F, then pyroboric acid (H2B4O7) at 285-320F, and Boric anhydride at
higher temperatures.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Potassium, acetic anhydride, alkalis, carbonates, and hydroxides.
Conditions to Avoid:
No information found.
11. Toxicological Information
Toxicological Data:
Oral rat LD50: 2660 mg/kg; oral woman LDLo: 200 mg/kg; investigated as a
mutagen, tumorigen, reproductive effector.
Reproductive Toxicity:
See Chronic Health Hazards.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Boric Acid (10043-35-3) No No None
12. Ecological Information
Environmental Fate:
No information found.
Environmental Toxicity:
The EC50/48-hour values for daphnia are over 100 mg/l. This material may be
toxic to aquatic life.
13. Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an
appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or
contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State
and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations.
Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and
local requirements.
14. Transport Information
Not regulated.
15. Regulatory Information
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Boric Acid (10043-35-3) Yes Yes Yes Yes
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Boric Acid (10043-35-3) Yes Yes No Yes
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Boric Acid (10043-35-3) No No No No
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Boric Acid (10043-35-3) No No No
Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: Yes Fire: No Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Solid)
Australian Hazchem Code: No information found.
Poison Schedule: S5
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled
Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information
required by the CPR.
16. Other Information
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND
RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, LIVER AND KIDNEYS.
Label Precautions:
Avoid breathing dust.
Keep container closed.
Use with adequate ventilation.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Label First Aid:
If swallowed, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If inhaled, remove to
fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin
with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. In all cases call a physician.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
No changes.
Disclaimer:
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Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in good
faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy.
This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary
handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product.
Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment
in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT
BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE
PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC.
WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON
THIS INFORMATION.
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Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number: (314) 654-1600 (U.S.A.)