Gerstley Borate Rasorite Technical

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency overview Gerstley Borate is a grey-white, odorless mineral product that is Cancer: Not tested. Reproductive/developmental: Gerstley Borate has not not flammable, combustible or explosive. Potential ecological effects Unknown been tested. Animal ingestion studies in several species, at high doses, indicate that similar inorganic borate compounds cause reproductive and developmental effects. A human

Potential health effects

Routes of exposure Inhalation is the most significant

Principle Routes of Exposure

in occupational and other settings. Dermal exposure is not usually a concern because Gerstley Borate is not expected to be readily absorbed through intact skin. Inhalation Occasional mild irritation effects to the nose and throat may occur from inhalation of borate dusts at levels mg/m3. greater than 1 O Eye contact Not tested. Skin contact Not tested. Ingestion Gerstley Borate is not intended for ingestion. Inorganic borate salts generally have 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 study of occupational exposure to borate dust showed no adverse effect on reproduction. Target organs: No target organ has been identified in humans. Several inorganic borate high dose animal ingestion studies indicate the testes are the target organs in male animals for similar borate compounds. Signs and symptoms of exposure: Symptoms of accidental over-exposure to inorganic borate salts 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.