Product Identification

Product Name

Sodium tetraborate

Synonyms

Disodium tetraborate, anhydrous
Fused borax
Sodium pyroborate

CAS

1330-43-4

Formula

B4Na2O7

Molecular Weight

201.22

EINECS

215-540-4

RTECS

ED4588000

RTECS Class

Reproductive Effector

Merck

12,8733

Beilstein/Gmelin

35010 (G)

EC Index Number

005-007-00-2

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White, odorless and crystalline, hygroscopic.

Solubility in water

26 g/L

Melting Point

742

Boiling Point

1575

Vapor Pressure

13 (1250 C)

Density

2.38 g/cm3

Usage

Manufacture of glass, enamels, & other ceramic products.

Saturation Concentration

Approximately zero

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.

Skin

Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container closed when not in use.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Low hazard for usual industrial handling.

Skin

May cause skin irritation. Low hazard for usual industrial handling.

Eyes

Dust may cause mechanical irritation.

Ingestion

Symptoms may include: headache, excitement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stupor, and coma. May cause kidney damage. May cause severe gastrointestinal tract irritation with nausea, vomiting and possible burns. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure.

EC Safety Phrase

S 24/25

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

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.

Exposure limit(s)

TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1994-1995).

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic fumes. To extinguish fire, use water, dry chemical, chemical foam, or alcohol-resistant foam. Substance is noncombustible; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire.

Fire Potential

Not flammable

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

14

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with alkaloidol salts, mercuric chloride, zinc sulfate, and other metallic salts. Avoid contact with moisture.

Stability

Stable under normal shipping and handling conditions. Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Irritating and toxic fumes and gases, toxic fumes of sodium oxide, oxides of boron.

Transport Information

HS Code

2840 11 00