Winter Close-Up

Hazard statements (CLP)

H303, H319, H361

Code

Statements

H303

May be harmful if swallowed

OSHA HCS Classification

Reproductive toxicity (Category 2) H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child Eye Irritant: (Category 2) H319 Causes serious eye irritation Acute Oral (Category 5) H303 May be harmful if swallowed

Hazard statements

Suspected of damaging fertility of the unborn child. Causes serious eye irritation. May be harmful if swallowed.

Precautionary statements

Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves/protective equipment as required. If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If exposed or concerned: Get medical/advice attention. Store product in tightly closed container and locked up. Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant.

Additional information

For full text of R-S phrases as well as Hazard Class/Statements and Precautionary Statements, see section 16.

Other hazards

Emergency Overview Sodium tetraborate decahydrate 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 borax decahydrate is poorly adsorbed through intact skin. 1 Inhalation: Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of sodium tetraborate decahydrate dusts at levels higher that 10 mg/m3 Eye Contact: Sodium tertraborate decahydrate is a serious eye irritant Skin Contact: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate does not cause irritation to intact skin. Ingestion: Products containing sodium tetraborate decahydrate are not intended for ingestion. Sodium tetraborate decahydrate has low acute toxicity. Small amounts (e.g. a teaspoonful) swallowed accidentally are not likely to cause effects, swallowing 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 sodium tetraborate decahydrate 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 sodium tetraborate decahydrate have been associated with ingestion or absorbed through large areas of damaged skin. These may included nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with delayed effects of skin redness and peeling (See section 11).