Material Safety Data Sheet
Ammonium Fluoborate
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Ammonium Fluoborate
PRODUCT NAME:
Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate
OTHER/GENERIC NAMES:
Ammonium Borofluoride
Industrial
PRODUCT USE:
General Chemical Corporation
MANUFACTURER:
90 East Halsey Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
973-515-1840 800-631-8050
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL:
(24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week)
(Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm)
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENT NAME CAS NUMBER WEIGHT %
Ammonium fluoborate 13826-83-0 >98
Tricalcium phosphate (* free-flowing grade only) 7758-87-4 *
Trace impurities and additional material names not listed above may also appear in Section 15 towards the end of the
MSDS. These materials may be listed for local "Right-To-Know" compliance and for other reasons.
This product is considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard:
Communication Standard.
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: White odorless crystals. Harmful or may be fatal if swallowed.
Harmful if inhaled. May cause skin irritation. Causes eye irritation. Not flammable.
POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Contact with dust or solution may cause irritation. Prolonged or repeated contact will intensify the
SKIN:
condition.
Direct eye contact to dust or mist will produce severe irritation; prolonged contact may cause severe
EYES:
corneal damage.
Breathing dust, mist or fumes (latter from heated solutions) may irritate nose, throat and
INHALATION:
lungs.
Gross overexposure may result in further toxic effects, including chills, labored breathing,
fevers and unproductive cough.
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 1 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
Soluble fluoborates are expected to be corrosive to the gastrointestinal tract and may cause
INGESTION:
hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Symptoms include severe shock, vasomotor depression, cardiac
disturbances (which may result in fatal ventricular fibrillation), and dangerous poisoning due
to hypocalcemia (fluoride content will precipitate calcium stored in the body).
DELAYED EFFECTS: There is no chronic toxicity data on this material, however, NIOSH links inorganic
fluoborates with inorganic fluorides. Chronic exposure to fluorides is associated with
osseous fluorosis 鈥? increased radiographic density of bones, mottling of teeth, etc.
These conditions will not develop if permissible exposure levels are not exceeded.
Kidney damage, asthma and symptoms resembling rheumatism may occur.
Ingredients found on one of the three OSHA designated carcinogen lists are listed below.
INGREDIENT NAME NTP STATUS IARC STATUS OSHA LIST
No ingredients listed in this section
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Promptly wash with plenty of soap and water, then flush with water until all chemical is removed. Get
SKIN:
medical attention for any irritation. Promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Immediately flush eyes with large quantities of water for 15-20 minutes, holding eyelids open to allow
EYES:
thorough flushing. Get medical attention for potential corneal damage.
Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen, provided a qualified operator is available.
INHALATION:
If not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. Get medical attention.
Do not induce vomiting. If conscious, give several glasses of milk or other calcium-containing
INGESTION:
liquids, or several ounces of milk of magnesia, if available; otherwise, give large quantities of water
and get immediate medical attention.
Keep patient warm (but not hot) and quiet. Focus medical efforts on combating shock
ADVICE TO PHYSICIAN:
and reducing systemic toxicity of the fluoride ion. Fluorides can reduce serum calcium
levels resulting in potentially fatal hypocalcemia.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES
Not flammable
FLASH POINT:
Not applicable
FLASH POINT METHOD:
Not applicable
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE:
Not applicable
UPPER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air):
Not applicable
LOWER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air):
Not applicable
FLAME PROPAGATION RATE (solids):
Not applicable
OSHA FLAMMABILITY CLASS:
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 2 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Although not flammable, if involved in a fire, use water. Water spray will tend to reduce fumes and irritating gases.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Ammonium fluoborate decomposes at elevated temperatures to form toxic ammonia, hydrogen fluoride and boron
trifluoride gases. NH4BF4 may sublime when hot and condense on cool surfaces.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PRECAUTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS:
As toxic gases may be present, firefighters should wear NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus, full
protective clothing and goggles for needed eye protection. Do not splash onto personnel any water which has
contacted this material. Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
IN CASE OF SPILL OR OTHER RELEASE: (See section 8 for recommended personal protective equipment.)
Sweep or shovel up with a minimum of dusting and collect in plastic container; cover, label and store for later
disposal. Flush residue with water to complete clean-up, if permitted by applicable disposal regulations, taking
care to keep solution that is formed from contacting eyes, skin and clothing.
Spills and releases may have to be reported to Federal and/or local authorities. See Section 15 regarding
reporting requirements.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
NORMAL HANDLING: (See section 8 for recommended personal protective equipment.)
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing dust. Observe good personal hygiene and good
housekeeping practices. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation and do not eat or smoke
while handling.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Store at moderate temperatures in a dry, well-ventilated area away from food products. Material is an acid salt
and should be kept away from water, acids and alkalies to prevent metal corrosion and increased irritation to skin
and eyes. Keep containers tightly closed and protect from physical damage.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Ventilation should be adequate to meet TWA/TLV requirements. If dusty or misty conditions prevail, or if
decomposition products are formed, provide local exhaust ventilation system of corrosion-resistant construction.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Wear protective rubber gloves and full protective clothing for routine product use.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Exposed work clothing should be changed daily and never taken home. Shower
daily after work.
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 3 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
Under normal working conditions, wear safety glasses. Where the possibility of
EYE PROTECTION:
contact of eyes with dust, mist or solution exists, wear chemical safety goggles and
full facepiece. Do not wear contact lenses.
For low levels of dust or mist (<10 x TLV), use a NIOSH-approved dust or mist
RESPIRATORY
respirator. For intermediate levels of exposure (>10 x but <100 x TLV), use NIOSH-
PROTECTION:
approved, full-face, air cleaning respirators for both lung and eye protection. For
high levels, use NIOSH-approved self-contained or supplied-air breathing systems.
Provide eyewash stations and quick drench shower facilities near work areas.
ADDITIONAL
RECOMMENDATIONS:
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
INGREDIENT NAME ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL OTHER LIMIT
2.5 mg/m3 (as F) 2.5 mg/m3 (as
Ammonium fluoborate (as fluoride) F in urine: 3 mg/g
TWA F) TWA creatinine pre shift, 10
mg/g postshift. 3
1
= Limit established by General Chemical Corporation.
2
= Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (AIHA).
3
= Biological Exposure Index (ACGIH).
OTHER EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR POTENTIAL DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
None.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
White crystals
APPEARANCE:
Solid
PHYSICAL STATE:
104.84
MOLECULAR WEIGHT:
NH4BF4
CHEMICAL FORMULA:
Essentially odorless
ODOR:
1.85
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water = 1.0):
21% @ 25C
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (weight %):
3.0-4.0 (1% solution)
pH:
Not applicable; decomposition begins ~100C
BOILING POINT:
Sublimes above 238C
MELTING POINT:
Not applicable
VAPOR PRESSURE:
Not applicable
VAPOR DENSITY (air = 1.0):
Not applicable COMPARED TO: Not applicable
EVAPORATION RATE:
Not applicable
% VOLATILES:
Not flammable
FLASH POINT:
(Flash point method and additional flammability data are found in Section 5.)
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 4 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
NORMALLY STABLE? (CONDITIONS TO AVOID):
Stable. Avoid high temperatures (material decomposes).
INCOMPATIBILITIES:
Solutions containing ammonium fluoborate will be acidic and will react with acid-incompatible materials, e.g.,
cyanides, sulfides. Strong oxidants.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Ammonia, hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride gases.
In dilute solution, some hydrolysis to hydrofluoric acid may occur.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
IMMEDIATE (ACUTE) EFFECTS:
Hypocalcemia, possibly severe or fatal, may occur due to the fluoride content, which can precipitate calcium stored in
the body.
DELAYED (SUBCHRONIC AND CHRONIC) EFFECTS:
Chronic exposure to fluorides may damage the kidney and cause fluorosis.
OTHER DATA:
None.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No data available but may be dangerous if it enters water intakes.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
RCRA
Is the unused product a RCRA hazardous If yes, the RCRA ID number is: Not applicable
waste if discarded? No
OTHER DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The information offered in section 13 is for the product as shipped. Use and/or alterations to the product such as
mixing with other materials may significantly change the characteristics of the material and alter the RCRA
classification and the proper disposal method.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Not regulated
US DOT HAZARD CLASS:
US DOT ID NUMBER:
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 5 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
For additional information on shipping regulations affecting this material, contact the information number found in
Section 1.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA)
Listed on the TSCA Inventory of Chemical Substances
TSCA INVENTORY STATUS:
None
OTHER TSCA ISSUES:
SARA TITLE III/CERCLA
"Reportable Quantities" (RQs) and/or "Threshold Planning Quantities" (TPQs) exist for the following ingredients.
INGREDIENT NAME SARA/CERCLA RQ (lb) SARA EHS TPQ (lb)
Ammonium fluoborate 5000 -----
Spills or releases resulting in the loss of any ingredient at or above its RQ requires immediate notification
to the National Response Center [(800) 424-8802] and to your Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Immediate, delayed
SECTION 311 HAZARD CLASS:
SARA 313 TOXIC CHEMICALS:
The following ingredients are SARA 313 "Toxic Chemicals" and may be subject to annual reporting requirements.
CAS numbers and weight percents are found in Section 2.
INGREDIENT NAME COMMENT
No ingredients listed in this section
STATE RIGHT-TO-KNOW
In addition to the ingredients found in Section 2, the following are listed for state right-to-know purposes.
INGREDIENT NAME WEIGHT % COMMENT
No ingredients listed in this section.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION:
None
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION (CANADA):
Not determined
FOREIGN CHEMICAL CONTROL INVENTORY STATUS:
Listed on Canadian DSL and EU EINECS.
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 6 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ammonium Fluoborate
16. OTHER INFORMATION
January, 2003
CURRENT ISSUE DATE:
February, 1998
PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE:
CHANGES TO MSDS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE ARE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING:
Adoption of ANSI format.
None
OTHER INFORMATION:
MSDS Number: GC-3003 Page 7 of 7
Current Issue Date: January, 2003
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