Material Safety Data Sheet

Boric Acid
CAS # 10043-35-3
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
  Synonyms: ortho-Boric acid; boracic acid; Borofax, boric acid (H3BO3)             
CAS No.: 10043-35-3
Molecular Weight: 61.83
Chemical Formula: H3BO3
 

Company Information:

ChemicalStore.com
A Division of New Jersey Industrial Research
1059 Main Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07011

For Information, call: (973) 405-6248
2. 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.
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  Health Rating: 2 - Moderate (Life)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate (Life)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Green (General Storage)		 0 - Minimum Hazard
1 - Slight Hazard
2 - Moderate Hazard
3 - Serious Hazard
4 - Severe Hazard

H = Health
F = Fire
R = Reactivity
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  Potential Health Effects
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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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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DISCLAIMER: New Jersey Industrial Research Center 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.  New Jersey Industrial Research Center is not responsible for damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.