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 Synonym: Boron Metal
Chemical Family: Metal Formula: B
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV Sec. 302 Sec. 304 Sec. 313
Boron 0-100 N/E N/E No No No
HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 2 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 0
HMIS Protective Equipment: E: glasses, gloves, dust respirator.
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 2550 oC Melting Point: 2300 oC
Specific Gravity: 2.35 g/cc Vapor Pressure (mmHg): .012 @ 2140 oC
Vapor Density: N/E Evaporation Rate: N/A
% Volatile: N/A Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Brown/black metallic crystals or powder, no odor.
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/E or N/A Flammability: Flammable solid
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/E Lower: N/E
Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, Class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent.
Special Fire Fighting 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. May react explosively when ground with lead fluoride or silver fluoride. May explode with hydrogen iodide.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion.
Effects of Exposure:
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 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: If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting (never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting to an unconscious person). Seek medical attention.
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: None
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.
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. 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.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator.
Ventilation: 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.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses recommended
Other Protective 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.
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.
Prepared by: S. Dierks
Dated: August 2003