This product may be an inhalation hazard.  Boron nitride is considered a nuisance dust.  Excessive airborne concentrations of nuisance dusts may cause irritation to skin or mucous membranes by chemical or mechanical action.  Asthma or chronic respiratory conditions may be aggravated by exposure to this product.  Exposure to boron nitride has not been shown to result in boron poisoning.  Under normal operating conditions or thermal decomposition, boron nitride has not been shown to liberate free boron.  Boron oxide may cause irritation, may alter kidney function, and may produce changes in the blood as a result of occupational exposure.  Boron oxide may cause reversible effects that are generally not life threatening.  Chronic inhalation of zirconium may cause pulmonary disease, although documentation of zirconium pneumoconiosis in humans is lacking.  With chronic exposure, silicon carbide may accumulate in the lungs, causing mild pneumoconiosis without impairment of lung function.  Amorphous silica is chemically and biologically inert when ingested.  In addition, silicosis has rarely been found in cases of chronic inhalation of amorphous silica.  Chronic inhalation of calcium fluoride may cause fluorosis which may cause symptoms including brittle bones, weight loss, anemia, calcified ligaments, general ill health and joint stiffness. 

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Dusts may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Ingestion:  May cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Repeated inhalation of dusts may cause fluorosis, characterized by coughing, sore throat, and labored breathing.  Effects may be delayed.

Ingestion:  May cause boron poisoning.

Skin:  Prolonged contact may cause allergic skin sensitization reactions.  Effects may be delayed.

Eye:  May cause irritation, tearing, redness and conjunctivitis (swelling of the eye).

Target Organs:  Respiratory and central nervous system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure:  May affect pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No        IARC:  No         OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

INGESTION:  If ingested, get immediate medical attention.  Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical personnel.

SKIN:   Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash area of contact thoroughly with soap and water.  Get medical attention if symptoms develop or persist.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.  Eyelids should be held away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing.  Get medical attention if irritation persists.  Do not rub eyes.

NOTES TO PHYSICIAN:  Product contact with strong oxidizing agents may produce ammonia gas.  Contact with strong acids may produce small amounts of hydrogen fluoride (HP grade solid).  Thermal decomposition products may include oxides of boron and nitrogen.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable under normal conditions.

Conditions To Avoid:  Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Contact with strong oxidizers and strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Thermal decomposition products may include oxides of boron, nitrogen, and fluoride fumes.  Decomposition of boron nitride occurs at 2204 ^oC (4000 ^oF).

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Sweep or gather material and place in appropriate container for disposal.  Avoid the generation of dusts during clean-up.

Waste Disposal:  Dispose of in accordance with all Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  If irritation is experienced or exposure limits are exceeded, respiratory protection should be worn.  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators for particulates with a TLV of greater than 0.05 mg/m³ are generally acceptable.

Ventilation:  Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation to maintain worker exposure below exposure limits.

Skin Protection:  Avoid unnecessary skin contact with this material.  Use appropriate chemical protective gloves when handling.  Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Eye Protection:  Avoid eye contact.  Wear safety glasses.  Do not wear contact lenses when working with this substance.  Have an eyewash station available where eye contact can occur.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in original containers until used.  Protect from moisture for optimum performance.  Keep away from incompatibles.  Dusts from this product can produce very slippery conditions.  Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities.  Remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse.  Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:            Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:          None

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  March 2011