Optibor

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency overview Ingestion: Products containing Optibor are not intended for Optibor is a white, odorless, powder substance that is not ingestion. Optibor has a low acute toxicity. Small amounts flammable, combustible, or explosive and has low acute oral (e.g., a teaspoon) swallowed accidentally are not likely to and dermal toxicity. cause effects; swallowing amounts larger than that may cause Potential ecological effects gastrointestinal symptoms. Large amounts of Optibor can be harmful to plants and other Cancer: Optibor is not a known carcinogen. species. Therefore, releases to the environment should be Reproductive/developmental: Animal ingestion studies in minimized. several species, at high doses, indicate that borates cause

Potential health effects

reproductive and developmental effects. A human study of

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation is the most significant route of occupational exposure to borate dust showed no adverse exposure in occupational and other settings. Dermal exposure effect on reproduction. is not usually a concern because Optibor is poorly absorbed Target organs: No target organ has been identified in through intact skin. humans. High dose animal ingestion studies indicate the testes Inhalation: Optibor is non-irritating if inhaled. are the target organs in male animals. Eye contact Optibor is non-irritating to the eyes in normal Signs and symptoms of exposure Symptoms of accidental industrial use. over-exposure to Optibor have been associated with ingestion Skin contact: Optibor does not cause irritation to intact skin. 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.