MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Boron

Formula:             B

CAS Number:       7440-42-8                                                              

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Boron

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                            2

Flammability:                 3

Reactivity:                      1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   2550 ^oC

Melting Point:                   2300 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              2.35 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Brown to black, powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  approx 800 ^oC

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/E        Lower:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Dry powder, Class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent.  Do not use water.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Boron metal powder is highly reactive.  Dust may ignite spontaneously in air.  Powder oxidizes slowly at room temperature.  Boron metal may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.  May ignite on contact with gaseous chlorine or fluorine at room temperature.  May react exothermically with metals above 900 ^oC.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

 To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of boron have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

 Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which effects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause irritation to the mucous membrane and boron poisoning.

Ingestion:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and boron poisoning.

Skin:  May cause mild irritation.

Eye:  May cause mild irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Ingestion:  May affect the central nervous system.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory or eye disorders.

Target Organs:  May affect the central nervous system.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Sparks or ignition sources. 

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  NH₃, Br₂, BrF₃, Cs₂C₂, Cl₂, CuO, HIO₃, PbO₂, HNO₃, NO, NOF, N₂O, KClO₃, KNO₃, Rb₂C₂, S, BrF₅, IF₅, FNO₂, OF₂, KNO₂, Na₂O₂, PbO.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Boron oxide fumes

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.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Sweep or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Use non-sparking tools.  Take care not to raise dust.  After removal, flush contaminated area thoroughly with water.  Collect wash water for approved disposal.  Keep from entering water or ground water.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Powders: Handle in a inert gas such as argon in a controlled, enclosed environment.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentrations at low exposure levels.  General exhaust not recommended.

For processes that generate dusts:  Use local exhaust to maintain airborne levels below the recommended exposure limits.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses recommended

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.

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:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                   None

Powder:

         Hazard Class:                   4.1

         Identification Number:    UN3178

         Packing Group:                III

         Proper Shipping Name:   Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Boron powder)

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:                  June 2008