International Chemical Safety Cards

BORIC ACID ICSC: 0991
BORIC ACID
Boracic acid
Orthoboric acid
H3BO3
Molecular mass: 61.8
CAS # 10043-35-3
RTECS # ED4550000
ICSC # 0991
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.

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0991 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

BORIC ACID ICSC: 0991

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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 (OELs):
TLV not established.


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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0991 BORIC ACID
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.