Borax (All Grades), Solid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Page 2 of 8 EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Causes eye irritation. Dust is irritating to respiratory tract. May cause

Teratogenic Effects

May cause adverse reproductive effects. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases. Sodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate or Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate: Sealed containers may rupture from the pressure of water vapours released from crystals by intense heat.

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Product is irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Excessive contact with powder may cause drying of mucous membranes of nose and throat due to absorption of moisture and oils. See "Other Section Skin Contact: Prolonged, confined (especially under the finger nails, under rings or watch bands) or repeated exposure may cause skin irritation. Excessive contact with powder may cause drying of the skin due to absorption of moisture and oils. Avoid handling when the skin is moist, wet or abraded. May cause defatting, drying and cracking of the skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may lead to dermatitis. Skin Absorption: Can be absorbed through damaged skin. No effects on intact skin. Eye Contact: This product causes irritation, redness and pain. Ingestion: This product causes irritation, a burning sensation of the mouth and throat and abdominal pain.

Other Health Effects

Effects (irritancy) on the skin and eyes may be delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or onset of pain. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential. In general, long-term exposure to high concentrations of dust may cause increased mucous flow in the nose and respiratory system airways. This condition usually disappears after exposure stops. Controversy exists as to the role exposure to dust has in the development of chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the air passages into the lungs). Other factors such as smoking and general air pollution are more important, but dust exposure may contribute. May cause kidney damage or central nervous system (CNS) depression. Signs and symptoms of kidney damage generally progress from oliguria, to blood in the urine, to total renal failure. CNS depression is characterized by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and incoordination. Severe overexposures may lead to coma and possible death due to respiratory failure.