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Date of Issue : Jan 2001 1. IDENTIFICATION
General Product Name : SODIUM TETRABORATE PENTAHYDRATE Other Names : BORAX PENTAHYDRATE UN No. : N/A Dangerous Goods Class : None Allocated Subsidiary Risk : None Allocated Hazchem Code : N/A Pack Group : 0 EPG : N/A Poisons Schedule : 5 Uses : Weed killer and soil sterilant. For fungus control on citrus fruits. As a fire retardant. In soaps and detergents. In tanning solutions, wire drawing baths, corrosion inhibitor solutions, starches and adhesives. Fire-proofing fabrics and wood; curing and preserving skins.
1.1 Physical Description / Properties
Appearance : White free-flowing granules. Formula : Na2B4O7.5H2O Boiling Point : 1575 deg C Melting Point : 741 deg C Vapour Pressure : N/A Specific Gravity : N/A (water = 1) Flash Point : N/A pH : 9.24 (1% in water) Solubility in water : 37 g/l (25 deg C) Flammability Limits (as percentage volume in air) Lower Explosion Limit : N/A Upper Explosion Limit : N/A 1.2 Other Properties
Bulk density @ 20 deg C = 980 kg/m3 Density @ 20 deg C = 1810 kg/m3 1.3 Ingredients
2. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
2.1 Health Effects - Acute Swallowed
Data suggests that the product should be considered to be toxic by ingestion. May cause severe problems if immediate treatment is not sought. Eye
Data suggests that this product should be classified as irritating to the eyes. May cause problems including corneal damage or transient blindness if contact is not treated promptly. Skin
Data suggests that the product should be classified as toxic by skin absorption. Skin contact may cause poisoning. Inhaled
Data suggests that the product should be considered to be irritating by inhalation. Inhalation may cause coughing and chest discomfort. 2.2 Health Effects - Chronic
Sodium tetraborate and its hydrates are chemically and toxicologically related to boric acid. The majority of the borate chronic toxicity studies were conducted using boric acid. Sodium tetraborate is converted to boric acid in biological systems. The boric acid data discussed in this section can be converted to sodium tetraborate pentahydrate equivalent by dividing by a factor of 0.849. Other factors apply to different levels of hydration. A human study of occupationally exposed borate workers showed no adverse reproductive effects. Animal studies indicate that boric acid reduces or inhibits sperm production, causes testicular atrophy and when given to pregnant animals during gestation, may cause developmental changes. These feed studies were conducted under chronic exposure conditions leading to doses many times in excess of those that could occur through inhalation of dust in the occupational setting. Dietary levels of boric acid of 8,700 ppm (0.87%) in chronic feeding studies in rats and dogs produced testicular changes (Weir, Fisher, 1972). In chronic feeding studies in mice on diets containing 5,000 ppm (0.5%) boric acid testicular atrophy was present while mice fed 2,500 ppm showed no significant testicular atrophy. In another chronic boric acid study, degeneration of semi- niferous tubules was present together with a reduction in germ cells in mice fed 4,500 ppm boric acid. In a reproduction study on rats, 2,000 ppm of dietary boric acid had no adverse effect on lactation, litter size, weight or appearance (Weir, Fisher, 1972). In a continuous breeding study in mice there was a reduction in fertility rates in males receiving 4,500 ppm boric acid but not in females receiving 4,500 ppm boric acid (Fail et al, 1992). The product is not listed as carcinogenic in Worksafe's document "Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment" (May 1995) and studies indicate that the product is not carcinogenic or mutagenic.
2.3 First Aid
Swallowed
If swallowed and if more than 15 minutes from a hospital, induce vomiting, preferably using Ipecac syrup APF. Contact a doctor or .
Eye
If this product comes into contact with eyes, hold open and wash with running water for at least 15 minutes. Ensure irrigation under eyelids by occasionally lifting them. Do not try to remove contact lenses, if worn.
Skin
If this product comes into contact with skin, wash skin for at least 15 minutes with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and footwear. Ensure contaminated clothing is thoroughly washed before using again.
Inhaled
If mists, dusts or combustion products are inhaled, remove to fresh air. Lay victim down and keep warm and rested. If breathing is shallow, or has stopped, ensure clear airway and apply resuscitation or oxygen if available. Transport to a doctor or hospital immediately.
First Aid Facilities
Ensure an eye bath and safety shower are available and ready for use.
2.5 Advice to Doctor
Treat symptomatically based on judgement of doctor and individual reactions of patient.
2.6 Toxicity Data
The information below relates to Borax Decahydrate : Oral-infant LDLo : 1000 mg/kg Oral-man LDLo : 709 mg/kg Oral-rat LD50 : 2660 mg/kg Oral-dog LDLo : 3000 mg/kg Subcutaneous-rabbit LDLo : 150 mg/kg
3. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
3.1 Exposure Standards
A TWA value of 5 mg/m3 has been established for a significant ingredient of this product. Exposure values at the TWA (Time Weighted Average) means the average airborne concentration of a particular substance when calculated over a normal 8 hour working day for a 5 day working week. Worksafe recommends the following : Borates, tetra, sodium salts (anhydrous) : TWA 1mg/m3
3.2 Engineering Controls
In industrial situations, concentration values below the TWA value should be maintained. Values may be reduced by process modification, use of local exhaust ventilation, capturing substances at the source, or other methods. If you believe airborne concentrations of mists, dusts or vapours are high, you are advised to modify the process or environment to reduce the problem.
3.3 Personal Protection
Respiratory - a face mask or respirator is essential when this material is being used. For help in selecting suitable equipment consult AS/NZS 1715. Protective gloves - rubber. PVC or other protective gloves should be used, even if product is being used infrequently or for brief periods. The product may be absorbed by the skin, resulting in poisoning. For help in selecting suitable gloves consult AS 2161. Eye protection - goggles or full face shield must be used when using this product. Failure to do so may result in eye damage if an accident occurs. Consult AS 1336 and AS/NZS 1337 for information about eye protection. Clothing - clean overalls should be worn, preferably with an apron. All skin areas should be covered. Consult AS 2919 for advice on industrial clothing. Safety boots - wearing safety boots is advisory. Consult AS/NZS 2210 for advice on Occupational Protective Footwear. Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking or using the toilet. Wash contaminated clothing and protective equipment before storing or reusing.
3.4 Flammability
Material does not burn. SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
4.1 Storage / Transport
No special requirements for storage and transport. This material has no UN classification. Observe appropriate State regulations for storage, transport and sale. Containers should be kept closed in order to minimise contamination. Keep from extreme heat and open flames, and make sure the material does not come into contact with water or acids.
4.2 Packaging / Labelling UN No. N/A Class None Allocated Sub Risk None Allocated Hazchem Code N/A Pack Group 0 EPG No. N/A Shipping Name SODIUM TETRABORATE PENTAHYDRATE Hazard HARMFUL
Risk Phrases R22 Harmful if swallowed. R63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child. R62 Possible risk of impaired fertility. R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Safety Phrases S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible). S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. S22 Do not breathe dust.
4.3 Spills and Disposal
Spills
Wear full protective clothing including face mask, face shield and gauntlets. Stop leak if safe to do so and contian spill. Prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses. If material enters drains, advise emergency services.
Sweep up and shovel or collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling or salvage. After spills, wash area, preventing runoff from entering drains.
Disposal
Dispose of in accordance with all Local, State and Federal regulations at an approved waste disposal facility. This material may be suitable for approved landfill. Recycle containers wherever possible.
4.4 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD Fire / Explosion
There is no explosion hazard from this material under normal circumstances. Material will not burn. Decomposition products are not known to be hazardous. There is little or no chance of an explosion from this product if involved in a fire. Stable under normal conditions. Hazardous polymerisation will not occur. Avoid reactions with strong reducing agents such as metal hydrides or alkali metals as this will generate hydrogen gas which could create an explosion hazard
Extinguishing Media
Fire-fighters should wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Use equipment/media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions. 5 OTHER INFORMATION
Other Information
The environmental effects of boron are minimal and are most noticeable in the world of plants. Minimal quantities of this element are essential for plant growth and hence boron is added to fertilisers used in boron deficient soils. Concentrations as low as 1 ppm boron could be critical to sensitive plants (lemon), and 10 ppm for semi tolerant plants (mustard, radish).
5.1 Contact Points
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The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use.
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