International Chemical Safety Cards

FLUOROBORIC ACID ICSC: 1040
FLUOROBORIC ACID
Borofluoric acid
Fluoboric acid
Hydrogen tetrafluoroborate
Hydrofluoboric acid
HBF4
Molecular mass: 87.8
CAS # 16872-11-0
RTECS # ED2685000
ICSC # 1040
UN # 1775
EC # 009-010-00-X
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
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Corrosive. Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Corrosive. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Corrosive. Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Collect leaking liquid in sealable non-metallic containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
C symbol
R: 34
S: (1/2-)26-27-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 1040 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

FLUOROBORIC ACID ICSC: 1040

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen fluoride and fluorine. The substance is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive. Attacks many metals forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC # 0001).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as Fluorides, as F): ppm; 2.5 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1994-1995).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the bones and teeth , resulting in fluorosis.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point (decomposes): 130°C
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 665
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
N O T E S
Fluoroboric acid is used as an aqueous solution. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 1040 FLUOROBORIC 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.