BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 10
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
BORIC ACID
SYNONYMS
B-H3-O3, B(OH)3, "boracic acid", Borofax, "hydrogen borate", "orthoboric acid",
"trioxoboric (III) acid", "trioxoboric (III) acid"
PRODUCT USE
Used for weatherproofing and fireproofing fabrics; as a preservative; manufacture of
cements, crockery, porcelain, enamels, glass, borates, leather, carpets, hats, soaps,
artificial gems; in nickel plating baths. Also used in the manufacture of cosmetics;
ointments and eye washes; printing and dyeing, photography; for impregnating wicks;
hardening steel; in welding flux and copper brazing. Insecticide for cockroaches and
carpet beetles; fungus control for citrus fruits.
SUPPLIER
Company: Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
Address:
70 Quantum Close
Quantum Industrial Park
Dandenong South VIC 3175
Australia
Telephone: 1300 782 688
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 1300 782 699
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 10
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
NON-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of
NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
S5
RISK SAFETY
Inhalation and/or ingestion may produce health Use only in well ventilated areas.
damage*.
Cumulative effects may result following Keep container in a well ventilated place.
exposure*.
May affect fertility*. Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions
before use.
* (limited evidence). Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
boric acid 10043-35-3 >99
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
路 IF SWALLOWED, REFER FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION, WHERE POSSIBLE, WITHOUT DELAY.
路 For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor.
Where Medical attention is not immediately available or where the patient is more than 15
minutes from a hospital or unless instructed otherwise:
路 Induce vomiting with fingers down the back of the of the throat, ONLY IF CONSCIOUS.
路 Lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position if possible) to maintain
open airway and prevent aspiration.
NOTE: Wear a protective glove when inducing vomiting by mechanical means.
路 In the mean time, qualified first-aid personnel should treat the patient following
observation and employing supportive measures as indicated by the patient's condition.
路 If the services of a medical officer or medical doctor are readily available, the
patient should be placed in his/her care and a copy of the MSDS should be provided.
Further action will be the responsibility of the medical specialist.
路 If medical attention is not available on the worksite or surroundings send the patient
to a hospital together with a copy of the MSDS.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
路 Immediately hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water.
路 Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and
moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
路 Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor,
or for at least 15 minutes.
路 Transport to hospital or doctor without delay.
路 Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled
personnel.
SKIN
If skin or hair contact occurs:
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 10
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
路 Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
路 If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
路 Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
路 Prostheses such as false teeth, which may block airway, should be removed, where
possible, prior to initiating first aid procedures.
路 Apply artificial respiration if not breathing, preferably with a demand valve
resuscitator, bag-valve mask device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if necessary.
路 Transport to hospital, or doctor.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
For acute or repeated short term exposures to boron and its compounds:
路 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and epigastric pain, haematemesis and blue-green
discolouration of both faeces and vomitus characterise adult boron intoxication.
路 Access and correct any abnormalities found in airway and circulation.
路 A tidal volume of 10-15 mg/kg should be maintained.
路 Emesis should be induced unless the patient is in coma, is experiencing seizures or has
lost the gag reflex. If any of these are present, gastric lavage should be performed with
a large-bore tube after endotracheal intubation or in the presence of continuous
respiratory action.
路 Activated charcoal is probably not of value though its use might be indicated following
gastric evacuation. Catharsis might be useful to eliminate any borates remaining in the
gastro-intestinal tract (magnesium sulfate: adults, 30 gms: children 250 mg/kg).
路 Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis remove some borates.
[Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical Toxicology].
The material may induce methaemoglobinaemia following exposure.
路 Initial attention should be directed at oxygen delivery and assisted ventilation if
necessary. Hyperbaric oxygen has not demonstrated substantial benefits.
路 Hypotension should respond to Trendelenburg's position and intravenous fluids;
otherwise dopamine may be needed.
路 Symptomatic patients with methaemoglobin levels over 30% should receive methylene blue.
(Cyanosis, alone, is not an indication for treatment). The usual dose is 1-2 mg/kg of a
1% solution (10 mg/ml) IV over 50 minutes; repeat, using the same dose, if symptoms of
hypoxia fail to subside within 1 hour.
路 Thorough cleansing of the entire contaminated area of the body, including the scalp and
nails, is of utmost importance.
BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDEX - BEI
These represent the determinants observed in specimens collected from a healthy worker
exposed at the Exposure Standard (ES or TLV):
Determinant Index Sampling Time Comment
1. Methaemoglobin in 1.5% of haemoglobin During or end of shift B, NS, SQ
blood
B: Background levels occur in specimens collected from subjects NOT exposed
NS: Non-specific determinant; also observed after exposure to other materials
SQ: Semi-quantitative determinant - Interpretation may be ambiguous; should be used as a
screening test or confirmatory test.
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding area.
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 10
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FIRE FIGHTING
Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
路 Non combustible.
路 Not considered to be a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.
路 In a fire may decompose on heating and produce toxic / corrosive fumes.
HAZCHEM: None
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
路 Clean up all spills immediately.
路 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
路 Wear impervious gloves and safety glasses.
路 Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
路 Sweep up or
路 Vacuum up (consider explosion-proof machines designed to be grounded during storage and
use).
路 Place spilled material in clean, dry, sealable, labelled container.
MAJOR SPILLS
Clear area of personnel and move upwind.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
Increase ventilation.
Stop leak if safe to do so.
Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
Collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling.
Collect residues and seal in labelled drums for disposal.
Wash spill area with large quantities of water.
After clean up operations, decontaminate and launder all protective clothing and
equipment before storing and re-using.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed
for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
boric acid 125 mg/m鲁
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take
protective action is:
boric acid 50 mg/m鲁
other than mild, transient adverse effects without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
boric acid 30 mg/m鲁
The threshold concentration below which most people will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
boric acid 10 mg/m鲁
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 10
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained.
Use good occupational work practice.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Avoid generating and breathing dust.
Use in a well-ventilated area.
Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
Avoid physical damage to containers.
Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
Wash hands with soap and water after handling.
Work clothes should be laundered separately: NOT at home.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
路 Check that containers are clearly labelled.
Storage bins should have a 60-degree sloping cone bottom with a provision
to prevent the entry of water.
For DRY storage:
Plastic drum
Polyethylene or polypropylene container
Steel drum
Aluminium drum
For MOIST conditions:
Stainless steel drum
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Segregate from acetic anhydride and alkali metals.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Store in a well-ventilated area.
Store away from incompatible materials.
Store away from foodstuff containers.
Protect containers against physical damage.
Keep containers securely sealed.
Check regularly for spills and leaks.
_____________________________________________________
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
+ + + + + +
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 10
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
_____________________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____
Australia Exposure Standards boric acid (Inspirable dust 10
(Not specified))
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
路 Chemical goggles.
路 Safety glasses.
路 Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a
review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account
of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal
and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure,
begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens
should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be
removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
Plastic gloves.
PVC gloves.
Rubber gloves.
Rubber boots.
OTHER
Overalls.
路 Barrier cream.
路 Eyewash unit.
GLOVE SELECTION INDEX
Glove selection is based on a modified presentation of the:
" Forsberg Clothing Performance Index" .
The effect(s) of the following substance(s) are taken into account in the
computer- generated selection: boric acid
Protective Material CPI *.
__________________________________________
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
BUTYL A
NEOPRENE A
NITRILE A
VITON A
__________________________________________
* CPI - Chemwatch Performance Index
A: Best Selection
B: Satisfactory; may degrade after 4 hours continuous immersion
C: Poor to Dangerous Choice for other than short term immersion
NOTE: As a series of factors will influence the actual performance of the glove,
a final selection must be based on detailed observation. -
* Where the glove is to be used on a short term, casual or infrequent basis,
factors such as "feel" or convenience (e.g. disposability), may dictate a choice
of gloves which might otherwise be unsuitable following long-term or frequent use.
A qualified practitioner should be consulted.
RESPIRATOR
Protection Factor Half- Face Respirator Full- Face Respirator Powered Air Respirator
10 x ES P1 Air- line* -- PAPR- P1 -
50 x ES Air- line** P2 PAPR- P2
100 x ES - P3 -
Air- line* -
100+ x ES - Air- line** PAPR- P3
* - Negative pressure demand ** - Continuous flow.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of
personal protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
General exhaust is adequate under normal operating conditions.
If exposure to workplace dust is not controlled, respiratory protection is required; wear
SAA approved dust respirator.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Colourless, odourless, transparent crystals, or white granules or powder; mixes with
water, glycerol, ether, alcohol, methanol, liquid ammonia; slightly soluble in acetone.
Boric acid is a weak acid. Loses chemically combined water upon heating, forming:
metaboric acid (HBO2) @ 100- 105 deg.C pyroboric acid (H2- B4- O7) @ 140- 160 deg.C boric
anhydride (B2- O3) at higher temperatures. Solubility in water @ 30 deg.C: 6.35 g/100 cc.
@ 100 deg.C: 27.6 g/100 cc.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Solid.
Mixes with water.
Molecular Weight: 61.83 Boiling Range (掳C): Not applicable.
Melting Range (掳C): 169 (decomposes) Specific Gravity (water=1): 1.44- 1.5128
Solubility in water (g/L): Miscible pH (as supplied): 3.9 @ 4% 20 degC
pH (1% solution): 5.2 @ 20 C Vapour Pressure (kPa): Not applicable.
Volatile Component (%vol): Not applicable. Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): Not applicable. Flash Point (掳C): Non flammable
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (掳C): Not available. Decomposition Temp (掳C): 169
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 10
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
State: Divided solid Viscosity: Not available
Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
Presence of incompatible materials.
Product is considered stable under normal handling conditions.
Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
SWALLOWED
The solid/dust is. harmful if swallowed.
Swallowing of a large quantity may cause abdominal pains and cyanosis.
Borate poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and pain in the upper abdomen. Often
persistent vomiting occurs, and there may be blood in the faeces. There may also be
weakness, lethargy, headache, restlessness, tremors and convulsions. All borates cause
similar effects; the lethal dose is over 30 grams. Poisoning initially stimulates the
central nervous system before causing depression, as well as disturbing the digestive
system, causing skin eruptions, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Borate is mostly
eliminated from the body via the kidneys.
EYE
The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.
The material is. capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may
develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately
treated.
SKIN
Irritation and skin reactions are possible with sensitive skin.
Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.
The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may
produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and
thickening of the skin.
INHALED
The dust may be discomforting to the upper respiratory tract.
Inhalation of small amounts of dust or fume over long periods may cause
poisoning.
Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations
of particulate are inhaled.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and inhalation of
generated dusts.
Borate can accumulate in the testes and deplete germ cells and cause withering of the
testicles, according to animal testing. Hair loss, skin inflammation, stomach ulcer and
anaemia can all occur. Repeated swallowing or inhalation irritates the stomach, causes a
loss of appetite, disturbed digestion, nausea and vomiting, red rash, dry skin and mucous
membranes, reddening of the tongue, cracking of the lips, inflamed conjunctiva, swelling
of the eyelids and kidney injury. Animal testing revealed prolonged ingestion causes
effects to the reproductive system in both males and females.
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 10
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
unless otherwise specified data extracted from RTECS - Register of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.
TOXICITY IRRITATION
Oral (woman) LDLo: 200 mg/kg Skin (human): 15 mg/3d - I- Mild
Oral (rat) LD50: 2660 mg/kg
Inhalation (rat) LCLo: 28 mg/m鲁/4h
Dermal (man) LDLo: 2430 mg/kg
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Fish LC50 (96hr.) (mg/l): 79- 100
Daphnia magna EC50 (48hr.) (mg/l): 115- 153
No data for boric acid.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Recycle wherever possible.
Bury residue in an authorised landfill.
Recycle containers if possible, or dispose of in an authorised landfill.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
HAZCHEM: None
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS:UN, IATA,
IMDG
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: S5
REGULATIONS
boric acid (CAS: 10043-35-3) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia High Volume Industrial Chemical List (HVICL)
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Australia National Pollutant Inventory
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Appendix E (Part 2)
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Schedule 5
Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Substances that may be used as active ingredients in Listed medicines
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
boric acid (CAS: 11113-50-1) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Australia National Pollutant Inventory
No data available for boric acid as CAS: 41685-84-1.
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
INGREDIENTS WITH MULTIPLE CAS NUMBERS
Ingredient Name CAS
boric acid 10043- 35- 3, 11113- 50- 1, 41685- 84- 1
BORIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet
For Workplace - Small Volume Use Only. CHEMWATCH 10059
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006 Version No:4
NC317TLP CD 2007/3 Page 10 of 10
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES
Established occupational exposure limits frequently do not take into consideration
reproductive end points that are clearly below the thresholds for other toxic effects.
Occupational reproductive guidelines (ORGs) have been suggested as an additional
standard. These have been established after a literature search for the reproductive no
-observed-adverse effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL). In addition the US EPA's procedures for risk assessment for hazard
identification and dose-response assessment as applied by NIOSH were used in the creation
of such limits. Uncertainty factors (UFs) have also been incorporated.
Ingredient ORG UF Endpoi CR Adeq
nt TLV
boric acid 1.5 mg/m3 100 R NA -
These exposure guidelines have been derived from a screening level of risk assessment and
should not be construed as unequivocally safe limits. ORGS represent an 8-hour time
-weighted average unless specified otherwise.
CR = Cancer Risk/10000; UF = Uncertainty factor:
TLV believed to be adequate to protect reproductive health:
LOD: Limit of detection
Toxic endpoints have also been identified as:
D = Developmental; R = Reproductive; TC = Transplacental carcinogen
Jankovic J., Drake F.: A Screening Method for Occupational Reproductive
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 57: 641-649 (1996).
Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and
authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification
committee using available literature references.
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission
from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 13-Nov-2006
Print Date: 17-Dec-2007
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