QB-17 Foliar Dry Flowable

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OVERVIEW: QB-17 is a white odorless, powdered substance that is not flammable, combustible, or explosive, and it presents no unusual hazard if involved in a fire. QB-17 presents little or no hazard (to humans) and has low acute oral and dermal toxicities. Care should be taken to minimize the amount of QB-17 released to the environment to avoid ecological effects. POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Large amounts of QB-17 can be harmful to boron- sensitive plants and other ecological systems.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation is the most significant in occupational and other settings Dermal exposure is not a concern because QB-17 is not absorbed through intact skin. Inhalation: Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of QB-17 dusts at levels greater than 10 mg/m3. Eye Contact: QB-17 is non-irritating to eyes in normal industrial use. Skin Contact: QB-17 does not cause irritation to intact skin. Ingestion: Products containing QB-17 are not intended for ingestion. QB-17 has a relatively low acute toxicity. Small amounts (e.g. a teaspoonful) swallowed accidentally are not likely to cause effects; swallowing amounts larger than that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Cancer: QB-17 did not cause cancer in long-term animal studies and is not considered a carcinogen. Reproductive: Long-term, high dose animal ingestion studies have demonstrated reproductive effects in male animals. A human study of occupational exposure to borate dust showed no adverse effect to reproduction. Developmental: High dose animal ingestion studies have demonstrated developmental effects in fetuses of pregnant animals, including fetal weight loss. Target Organs: No target has been identified in humans. High dose animal ingestion studies indicate the testes are the target organs in male animals, though human studies have not shown such results. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Symptoms of accidental over-exposure to QB-17 have been associated with ingestion or by absorption through large areas of damaged skin. These include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with delayed effects of skin redness and peeling.