Fluoroboric Acid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: clear slightly yellow liquid. Danger! Corrosive. Causes burns by all exposure routes. Harmful if swallowed. Long-term exposure may cause bone and joint changes. May cause kidney damage. Target Organs: Respiratory system, skeletal structures, eyes, skin.

Potential health effects

Eye: Contact with liquid is corrosive to the eyes and causes severe burns. Lachrymator (substance which increases the flow of tears). May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage. Skin: Contact with liquid is corrosive and causes severe burns and ulceration. If absorbed, may cause symptoms similar to those for ingestion. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause kidney damage. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. May cause corrosion and permanent tissue destruction of the esophagus and digestive tract. May cause systemic effects. Prolonged absorption may cause anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, mild diarrhea, skin rash, alopecia, convulsions and anemia. Inhalation: Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. May cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inflammation of the gums and mouth. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects. Chronic: Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause chronic fluoride poisoning (fluorosis) characterized by weight loss, weakness, anemia, brittle bones, and stiff joints. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause permanent bone structure abnormalities. Effects may be delayed. Chronic ingestion or inhalation may cause weight loss, malaise, anemia, leukopenia (reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood), discoloration of the teeth and osteosclerosis (the hardening or abnormal density of bone).