Product Specification 

SUBSTANCE: BORAX ( Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate )

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Inorganic salt

I.D. NUMBERS: 929002

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DATA DESCRIPTION:

White, odourless, crystalline powder. 

BULK DENSITY: 48 lbs/cubic ft                 

pH: 9.25 @ 20 °C (3% solution) 

MELTING POINT: 144 °F (62 °C) 

SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 5.8% @ 20 °C 

SOLVENT SOLUBILITY: Soluble in glycerol; very slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in acids. 

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS INFORMATION COMPONENT: 

SODIUM TETRABORATE DECAHYDRATE (BORAX)                                 

CAS# 1303-96-4

10 mg/m3 OSHA TWA 

5 mg/m3 ACGIH TWA 

Carcinogen status of component: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA. 

HEALTH HAZARD DATA

NOTE: The acute health effects described below are those which could potentially occur for the finished product. They are based on the toxicology information available for the finished product and/or each hazardous ingredient, and are consistent with the product type and the likelihood of a specific route of exposure. Known chronic health effects related to exposure to a specific ingredient are indicated. 

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS:

INHALATION: Dust may cause mucous membrane irritation with coughing, dryness and sore throat. 

SKIN CONTACT: Non-irritating to intact skin. Absorption through large areas of damaged skin may produce symptoms similar to those following ingestion.

EYE CONTACT: Direct contact with powder or dusts may cause irritation with redness, pain, blurred vision, and possibly corneal injury. 

INGESTION: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as headache nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with delayed effects of skin redness and peeling. 

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: No chronic health effects are expected from the intended use of these products or from foreseeable handling of them in the workplace. Nonetheless, the following effects have been reported for a component, sodium borate, and boric acid. Sodium borate upon entry into the body becomes boric acid.

Sodium Borate: Sodium borate and boric acid interfere with sperm production, damage the testes and interfere with male fertility when given to animals by mouth at high doses. Boric acid produces developmental effects, including reduced body weight, malformations and death, in the offspring of pregnant animals given boric acid by mouth.

The above mentioned animal studies were conducted under exposure conditions leading to doses many times in excess of those that could occur through product use or inhalation of dust in occupational settings. Moreover, a human study of occupational exposure to sodium borate and boric acid dusts showed no adverse effect on fertility. 

 MEDICAL CONDITIONS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS BEING AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Pre-existing skin conditions and respiratory illnesses (such as asthma).  

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES 

INHALATION: Immediately remove from exposure area to fresh air . Keep affected person warm and at rest. Treat symptomatically and supportively. Contact physician or local poison control centre. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration, and get medical attention immediately. 

SKIN CONTACT: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Rinse affected area with soap or a mild detergent and plenty of water until no evidence of product remains.                                                                                                          

EYE CONTACT: Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of product remains. Get medical attention if pain or irritation persist.

INGESTION: Treat symptomatically and supportively. Maintain airway and respiration. If vomiting occurs, keep head in a position to prevent aspiration of vomitus. Dilution by rinsing the mouth and giving water or milk to drink is generally recommended. If unconscious, the victim should not be given anything to drink. Contact physician or local poison control centre.