Product Identification

Product Name

Zinc borate

Synonyms

Boric acid, zinc salt
Firebrake ZB
Flame retardant ZB

CAS

1332-07-6

Formula

BO3Zn-

Molecular Weight

124.22

EINECS

215-566-6

Beilstein/Gmelin

NA

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White, amorphous powder.

Melting Point

980

Density

3.64 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

In medicine, fireproofing textiles, fungistat & mildew inhibitor, flux in ceramics.

Odor threshold

Odorless

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Seek medical assistance.

Inhalation

Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Observe for systemic effects which chiefly occur from chronic skin exposure, or application of borates to denuded skin. Treatment should include recommendations listed in the oral exposure section when appropriate.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep containers tightly closed in a well ventilated area away from food products. Keep away from heat and water.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Inhalation of material may be harmful.

Skin

The oral mucosa, lips and throat may be red. Erythematous rash with desquamation (cooked lobster syndrome) may develop on the palms, soles, and buttocks. A generalized rash has also been reported.

Eyes

See Skin.

Ingestion

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. The vomitus and feces may be blue-green in color. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can occur.

Hazards

Containers may explode when heated.

UN (DOT)

9155

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Exposure Effects

Significant ingestions or dermal exposures can be associated with weak, rapid pulse, cyanosis and abnormally low blood pressure. The patient may present with reduced body temperature, elevated body temperature or normal body temperature. Headache, lethargy, restlessness, weakness, CNS irritation, and/or seizures may occur with long term or repeated exposures. There is insufficient information concerning the reproductive effects of borates in humans. Adverse testicular effects and infertility have been reported in animals. <br>There have been limited animal studies which suggest decreased ovulation, fetotoxicity and developmental defects may occur with very high exposure levels. Maternal toxicity was present in some studies.

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Water, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical used on surrounding fires.

Fire Potential

Nonflammable.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. Avoid inhalation of asbestos dust.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

No data.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

9155

Hazard Class

9