Page 61 - Handbook of Hazardous Chemical Properties

BORICACID 51

Observable Characteristics - Physical State (as nonnally shipped): Solid; Color: White to cream;
Odor: Very weak phenolic.
Physical and Chemical Properties - Physical State at 15 “c and I atm. : Solid; Molecular Weight:
228.28; Boiling Point at I atm: Not pertinent; Freezing Point: 315, 157, 430; Critical Temperature:
Not pertinent; Critical Pressure: Not pertinent; Specijk Gravity: 1.195 at 25°C (solid); Vapor (Gas)
Density: Not pertinent; Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas): Not pertinent; Latent Heat of
Vaporization: Not pertinent; Heat of Combustion: Not pertinent; Heat of Decomposition: Not pertinent.
Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment: Approved dust mask
and clean, body-covering clothing sufficient to prevent excessive or repeated exposure to dust, fumes,
or solutions. Safety glasses with side shields; Symptoms Following Exposure: Dust irritating to upper
respiratory passages; may cause sneezing; General TreatmentforExposure: SKIN: wash with soap and
plenty of water. Avoid wearing contaminated clothing. EYES: promptly flush with plenty of water for
at least 15 min. and get medical help. INGESTION: if large amounts are swallowed, induce vomiting
promptly and get medical help promptly. No known antidote; Toxicity by Inhalation (Threshold Limit
Value): Not pertinent; Short-Term Exposure Limits: Not pertinent; Toxicity by Ingestion: Grade 2; LD,,
0.5 to 5 g/kg (rat); Late Toxicity: Lowered hemoglobin and erythrocyte (red blood cell) counts below
normal in rats; Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics: Not pertinent; Liquid or Solid Irritant
Characteristics: Minimum hazard. If spilled on clothing and allowed to remain, may cause smarting
and reddening of the skin; Odor Threshold: Not pertinent.
Fire Hazards - Flash Point (deg. F): 415 OC; Flammable Limits in Air (%): Not pertinent; Fire
Extinguishing Agents: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide; Fire Extinguishing Agents Not To Be Used
No data; Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Not pertinent; Behavior in Fire: Nor pertinent;
Ignition Temperature: No data; Electrical Hazard Not pertinent; Burning Rate: Not pertinent.
Chemical Reactivity - Reactivity with Water: No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No
reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent;
Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

BORIC ACID
Chemical Designations - Synonyms: Boracic Acid; Orthoboric Acid; Chemical Formula: H,BO,.
Observable Characteristics - Physical State (as nonnally shipped): Solid; Color: White; Odor: None.
Physical and Chemical Properties - Physical State at 15 and I atm. : Solid; Molecular Weight: 61 33;
Boiling Point at I atm.: Not pertinent (decomposes); Freezing Point: Not pertinent; Critical
Temperature: Not pertinent; Critical Pressure: Not pertinent; Spec@ Gravity: 1.51 at 14°C (solid);
Vapor (Gas) Density: Not pertinent; Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas): Not pertinent; Latent Heat
of Vaporim‘on: Not pertinent; Heat of Combustion: Not pertinent; Heat of Decomposition: Not
pertinent.
Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles;
Symptoms Following Exposure: Although no adverse effects have been reported from inhaling boric
acid dust, it is absorbed through mucous membranes. Ingestion of 5 grams or more may irritate
gastrointestinal tract and affect central nervous system. Contact with dust or aqueous solutions may
irritate eyes; no chronic effects have been recognized, but continued contact should be avoided. Dust
and solutions are absorbed through burns and open wounds but not through unbroken skin; General
Treatment for Exposure: INHALATION: remove from contaminated atmosphere. INGESTION: obtain
medical attention as soon as possible; if the patient is conscious, induce vomiting by giving warm salty
water (2 tablespoons of table salt to a pint of water) or warm soapy water; if this measure is
unsuccessful, vomiting may be induced by ticking the back of the patient’s throat with a finger;
vomiting should be encouraged about three times or until the vomitus is clear; additional water may be
given to wash out the stomach. EYES: immediately flush the eyes with large quantities of running water
for a minimum of 15 min.; hold the eyelids apart during the irrigation to ensure flushing of the entire
surface of the eye and lids with water; obtain medical attention as soon as possible; continue the
irrigation for an additional 15 min. if the physician is not available. SKIN: immediately flush affected
area with water; remove contaminated clothing under the shower; continue washing with water - do not