Boron trioxide, diboron trioxide, anhydrous boric acid, boric oxide

Hazard statements (CLP)

H303, H361

Code

Statements

H303

May be harmful if swallowed

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

GHS Classification in Accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS): Classification of the substance

Signal word

Warning

Hazard statements

H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. 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. P281 Use personal protective equipment as required. 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. For Full text of R-S phrases as well as Hazard Class/Statements and Precautionary Statements see section 16. Emergency overview Anhydrous boric acid 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 boron oxide is poorly absorbed through intact skin. Inhalation Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of boron oxide dusts at levels higher than 10 mg/m3. Eye contact Anhydrous boric acid is non-irritating to eyes in normal industrial use. Skin contact Anhydrous boric acid does not cause irritation to intact skin. Ingestion Products containing anhydrous boric acid are not intended for ingestion. Anhydrous boric acid has a low acute toxicity. Small amounts (e.g., a teaspoon) 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 anhydrous boric acid 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 anhydrous boric acid 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. Refer to section 11 for details on Toxicological data.

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS) Reproductive toxicity (Category 2), H361 Acute Oral (Category 5), H303