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SODIUM TETRABORATE

ICSC: 1229

Sodium biborate
Sodium pyroborate
Boron sodium oxide
Fused borax
Na2B4O7
Molecular mass: 201.3
ICSC # 1229 		CAS # 1330-43-4
RTECS # ED4588000
October 24, 1995 Validated

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. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Nose bleed.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•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. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from strong oxidants. Dry. Well closed.

ICSC: 1229 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

SODIUM TETRABORATE

ICSC: 1229

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC, WHITE POWDER OR GLASS-LIKE PLATE. TURNS OPAQUE ON EXPOSURE TO AIR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating or on burning producing toxic fumes including sodium oxide. Reacts with strong oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (borates) 2 mg/m3 as TWA, 6 mg/m3 as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008).
OSHA PEL†: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH INDEX


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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract by ingestion at high dose or through damaged skin.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 1575°C
Melting point: 741°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.367
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 2.56

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Rasorite 65 is a trade name.
Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1229 SODIUM TETRABORATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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