Borax Decahydrate

Hazard statements (CLP)

H303, H319, H361

Code

Statements

H303

May be harmful if swallowed

OSHA HCS Classification

Reproductive toxicity (Category 2) H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child Eye irritant (Category 2) H319 Causes serious eye irritation. Acute Oral (Category 5) H303 May be harmful if swallowed.

Signal word

Warning 1

Hazard statements

H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H319 Causes serious eye irritation. H303 May be harmful if swallowed.

Precautionary statements

P201 Obtain special instructions before use. P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. P264 Wash thoroughly after handling P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection P281 Use personal protective equipment as required. P305+P351+P338 If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing P308 + P313 If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.

Additional information

For Full text of R-S phrases as well as Hazard Class/Statements and Precautionary Statements see section 16.

2.3 Other hazards

Emergency overview Borax decahydrate is a white odorless, powdered substance that is not flammable, combustible, or explosive, and has low acute oral and dermal toxicity.

Potential health effects

Inhalation is the most significant route of exposure in occupational and other settings. Dermal exposure is not usually a concern because borax decahydrate is poorly absorbed through intact skin. Inhalation Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of borax decahydrate dusts at levels higher than 10 mg/m3. Eye contact Borax decahydrate is a serious eye irritant. Skin contact Borax decahydrate does not cause irritation to intact skin. Ingestion Products containing borax decahydrate are not intended for ingestion. Borax decahydrate has low acute toxicity. Small amounts (e.g. a teaspoonful) swallowed accidentally are not likely to cause effects; swallowing amounts larger than that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Reproductive/Developmental Animal ingestion studies in several species, at high doses, indicate that borates cause reproductive and developmental effects. A human study of occupational exposure to borate dust showed no adverse effect on reproduction. . A recent epidemiological study and a peer reviewing report of the past epidemiological studies conducted in China didn’t show any negative effect of boron on human fertility (10, 11). Potential ecological effects Large amounts of borax decahydrate can be harmful to plants and other species. Therefore releases to the environment should be minimized. Signs and symptoms of exposure Symptoms of accidental over-exposure to borax decahydrate have been associated with ingestion or absorption through large areas of damaged skin. These may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with delayed effects of skin redness and peeling (see section 11). 2