ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Boron Nitride Molecular Formula: BN
Synonyms: Grade A; Grade AXO5; Grade AX-20; Grade HP CAS #: 10043-11-5
Molecular Weight: 24.82
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: %: TLV/ACGIH PEL/OSHA
Boron Nitride 0-100 10 mg/m3 (total), as a nuisance dust. 5 mg/m3 (resp.); 10 mg/m3 (total)
SARA Title III: Sec. 302: No Sec. 311/312: No Sec. 313: No
HMIS Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0 Person Protection Index: B
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0 Special Hazards:
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point 760 mm Hg: N/A Melting Point: N/A
Specific Gravity: 1.80 - 3.0 Vapor Density (Air=1): N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/A Viscosity: N/A
Evaporation Rate (H2O=1): N/A Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: White or gray solid, no odor. % Volatile: N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method Used): N/A Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear full protective clothing, including helmet, self-contained positive pressure or pressure demand breathing apparatus, protective clothing and face mask. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Avoid breathing vapors or dusts. Keep upwind.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Small fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. When exposed to high temperatures, nitrogen and nitrogen products may be released. Contact with water and high temperatures may also form a small amount of ammonia.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
Boron Nitride is physiologically inert and considered a “nuisance” dust. Exposure to boron nitride will not result in boron poisoning. Free boron will not be liberated under normal operating conditions or thermal decomposition of boron nitride.
This product may contain a small amount of boron oxide. Boron oxide is an irritant, moderately toxic by ingestion, and may be absorbed through the skin. Poisoning with boron oxide may affect the kidneys, liver and circulatory system. Exposure to this product should not result in boron poisoning. Repeated inhalation of boron oxide dusts by rats of 470 mg/m3 for 10 weeks caused mild nasal irritation; exposure to 77 mg/m3 for 23 weeks resulted in elevated creatine and boron content of the urine and increased urinary volume. Repeated absorption through the skin may cause weight loss, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, changes to the liver and kidneys, vascular disorders, and proteinemia. Prolonged ingestion of boron oxide has caused reproductive effects in animals. The ovaries and fallopian tubes of female rats were affected, and in males, the testes, epididymis, and sperm duct were affected.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: Inhalation is unlikely. Inhalation of dusts may cause respiratory tract irritation. Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dusts may cause nosebleeds, hoarseness, sore throat, sinus trouble and asthma. High exposures may also cause moderate liver and kidney changes.
Ingestion: Ingestion is unlikely. No exposure expected during normal use. Ingestion of dusts may cause a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, sore tongue, a salty or soapy taste, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Skin: Short term contact with dusts should not cause irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause an itchy rash.
Eye: Contact with dusts may cause irritation, tearing, redness and conjunctivitis (swelling of the eye).
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dusts may cause respiratory tract irritation. Repeated or prolonged ingestion of dusts may cause stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness, and a feeling of ill health.
Target Organs: Dusts: Skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Medical Conditions Aggravated By Exposure: Ingestion or inhalation may affect pre-existing skin, respiratory, liver, kidney and circulatory disorders.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
INGESTION: Ingestion is unlikely. If ingested, the preferred method of elimination is through natural gastrointestinal elimination. Drink extra water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Get medical attention if gastrointestinal symptoms develop, for example, irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
SKIN: If skin becomes irritated, remove contaminated clothing. Wash area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical
attention if irritation persists.
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
Reactivity: Stable under conditions of normal use.
Conditions To Avoid: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and strong acids.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Contact with strong oxidizers may produce ammonia gas. Contact with strong acids may produce small amounts of hydrogen fluoride (HP grade solid). Slightly soluble in hot acids and hot concentrated alkali.
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: Do not walk through spilled material. Shovel into a container for later disposal. Avoid cleanup procedures that may result in water pollution. Follow handling, personal protection and exposure guidelines as detailed elsewhere in this data sheet.
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.
Additional Environmental Regulatory Information: This material contains the substances listed below which are regulated pollutants pursuant to the Clean Water Act (40 CFR 122.21 and 40 CFR 122.42 with reference to Appendix D, Tables II-V). Any un-permitted introduction of this material into the facility's storm water or process wastewater discharge is a violation of the Clean Water Act. Facilities must notify the appropriate permitting agency prior to introducing this material into its discharge.
Boron (As a Nitride). This product does not contain any substances regulated as hazardous air pollutants under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
There may be specific regulations at the local, regional or state label that pertain to this material. All components of this product are listed on the TSCA inventory. All components of this product are listed on the Canadian DSL inventory. This product contains the following substance(s) listed by the State of California on Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986: none
Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) categories: Biohazardous.
Empty Containers: Product packaging may contain product residue. Do not reuse.
NOTICE: The information presented herein is based on data considered to be accurate as of the date of preparation of this Material Safety Data Sheet. However, no warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the foregoing data and safety information, nor is any authorization given or implied to practice any patented invention without a licence. In addition, no responsibility can be assumed by vendor for any damage or injury resulting from abnormal use, form any failure to adhere to recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the nature of the product.
Issued by: S Dierks
Date: April 2003