Borax Pentahydrate

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Borax pentahydrate 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 pentahydrate is poorly absorbed through intact skin. Inhalation: Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of borax pentahydrate dusts at levels greater than 10 mg/m'. Eye contact: Borax pentahydrate is a mild eye irritant. Skin contact: Borax pentahydrate does not cause irritation to intact skin. Ingestion: Products containing borax pentahydrate are not intended for ingestion. Borax pentahydrate has 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. 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. Potential Ecological Effects: Large amounts of borax pentahydrate 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 borax pentahydrate 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 (see section 11).