Diborane

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW DANGER! Toxic, flammable high-pressure gas. May be fatal if inhaled. May cause respiratory system, kidney, and nervous system damage. Symptoms may be delayed. Can ignite on contact with air. May form explosive mixtures with air. Causes eye and skin irritation. May cause asthmatic reaction. Self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn by rescue workers. Under ambient conditions, this colorless gas has a sweet, repulsive odor. OSHA REGULATORY STATUS: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Potential health effects

Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure Inhalation. May be fatal if inhaled. Diborane may irritate the respiratory tract, causing headache, coughing, nausea, tightening of the chest, shortness of breath, chills, fever, and weakness. May also damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, producing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle twitching, and, possibly, painful muscle spasms. Lack of oxygen can kill. Skin Contact. Diborane may irritate the skin, causing redness, possible swelling, and blisters. Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. Copyright © 1980, 1985, 1992, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2009, Praxair Technology, Inc. Eye Contact. Diborane may irritate the eyes, causing redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. Repeated exposure may sensitize susceptible individuals, causing chronic respiratory distress. Other Effects of Overexposure. None known.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Overexposure. Because of its irritating properties, diborane may aggravate an existing dermatitis. CARCINOGENICITY: Diborane is not listed by NTP, OSHA, and IARC.

Environmental effects

None known. For further information, see section 12, Ecological Information.