UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
BORIC ACID
Table of Contents
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Page
1. Chemical Product
2. Composition and Information on Ingredients
3. Hazards Identification
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire and Explosion Data
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity Data
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. References
15. Appendices
16. Revision History
Page 1 of 11 Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
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UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Chemical Product
1.
Product Name: Boric acid
Chemical name: Boric acid
Synonyms: Boracic acid, orthoboric acid, acidum boricum.
Chemical Formula: H3BO3
2.
Composition and Information on Ingredients
Composition: Boric acid 100% by weight.
Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Boric acid: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 2660 mg/kg [rat].
3450mg/kg [mouse].
Page 2 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
3.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Hazards Identification
Potential Acute Health Effects:
- Although poorly absorbed through intact skin, hazardous in case of skin contact acting
as an irritant. It is readily absorbed through damaged or burned skin.
- Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator).
- Hazardous in case of eye contact acting as an irritant.
- Hazardous in case of ingestion, being harmful or fatal in case of indigestion in
sufficient volume.
- Hazardous in case of inhalation acting as a mild irritant to mucous membranes.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: The substance may be possibly toxic to the male and female
reproductive system. Boric acid may be toxic to the kidneys, the cardiovascular system and the
central nervous system. Repeated or prolonged exposure to boric acid can produce target organ
damage.
Page 3 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
4.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
First Aid Measures
General measures: Get medical attention. Show this data sheet to a physician in attendance.
Skin contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of cold water for at least 15 minutes. Then
cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash
clothing and clean shoes before reuse. Consult a physician.
Serious skin contact: Immediately wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated
skin with an antibacterial cream. Consult a physician.
Eye contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of
cold water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Consult a
physician.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to by a medical professional. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as collar, tie, belt or
waistband. Consult a physician if person is symptomatic. Stomach pumping/gastric lavage is
recommended for symptomatic patients only.
Serious indigestion: N/A
Inhalation: Person should be removed to fresh air. If person is not breathing, give artificial
respiration. If person’s breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Consult a physician.
Serious inhalation: N/A
Page 4 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
5.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Fire and Explosion Data
Flammability of the Product: Non-flammable.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable.
Flash points: Not applicable.
Flammable limits: Not applicable.
Products of Combustion: N/A
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Not applicable.
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
- Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: N/A.
- Risks of explosion of the product in presence of static discharge: N/A.
Fire fighting media and Instructions: Not applicable.
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: N/A.
Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: A mixture of potassium and boric acid may
explode on impact. A mixture of boric acid and acetic anhydride will explode when heated to
58-60oC.
Page 5 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
6.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Accidental Release Measures
NB: Wear appropriate protective equipment/clothing including gloves before removing
any spills.
Small spill: Use appropriate tools such as a scoop to place the spilled solid in a suitable
container for reclamation or disposal. Finish cleaning area by spreading water on the
contaminated surface and dispose of according to local authority requirements.
Large spill: Use a shovel to place the spilled solid in a suitable container for reclamation or
disposal. Finish cleaning off the area by spreading water on the contaminated surface allowing
it to evacuate through the sanitary system.
7.
Handling and Storage
Precautions: Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Avoid inhalation or accidental ingestion. In case of ingestion, seek medical advice
immediately, and show the container or the label. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear
suitable respiratory equipment. Keep away from incompatible substances such as alkalis.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above
23°C.
Page 6 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 10mg/m 3 total boric acid dust.
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 15mg/m3 total boric acid dust
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering
controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. If user operations
generate dust, fumes or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants below
the exposure limit.
Personal Protection: Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is
possible. Wear a lab coat and gloves. Maintain eye wash fountain, and quick-drench facilities
in work area. Use a dust respirator. Use a self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid
inhalation of the product in case of a large spill.
Page 7 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
9.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state and appearance: White powdered solid.
Odour: Odourless.
Taste: Slightly bitter.
Molecular Weight: 61.83g/mole
pH (1% solution/water): 5.2 (acidic)
Boiling Point: 300°C (572°F)
Melting Point: 169°C (336.2°F)
Critical Temperature: N/A
Specific Gravity (Water = 1): 1.435
Vapour Pressure (mmHg): 2.6 at 20°C (68°F)
Vapour Density: N/A
Volatility: N/A
Odour Threshold: N/A
Water/Oil Distribution Coefficient: N/A
Ionicity (in Water): N/A
Dispersion Properties: See solubility in water and methanol.
Solubility: Soluble in hot water and methanol. Partially soluble in cold water (1 gram boric
acid is soluble in 18mL cold water). Slightly soluble in acetone.
Stability and Reactivity Data
10.
Stability: Soluble in hot water and methanol. Partially soluble in cold water (1 gram boric acid
is soluble in 18mL cold water). Slightly soluble in acetone.
Corrosivity: In the present of moisture, boric acid may be corrosive to iron.
Instability temperature: N/A
Conditions of Instability: High temperatures, dust generations, incompatible materials.
Incompatibles: Potassium, acetic anhydride, alkalis, carbonates and hydroxides.
Polymerization: Will not occur.
Page 8 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
11.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Toxicological Information
Toxicity to animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2660mg/kg [Rat].
Effects on humans:
Acute potential health effects: Substance is hazardous causing irritation in case of skin or eye
contact, indigestion or inhalation. Gastrointestinal tract effects such as nausea, vomiting and
diarrhoea may occur upon ingestion.
Chronic potential health effects:
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: N/A
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: The substance may be possibly toxic to the male and female
reproductive system. The substance may be toxic to the kidneys, the cardiovascular system as
well as the central nervous system. Repeated or prolonged exposure to boric acid can produce
target organ damage.
Based on animal studies, boric acid may cause adverse reproductive effects including fertility
and foetal toxicity affecting genetic material and causing teratogenic effects.
The substance may also affect the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the
cardiovascular, hepatic, urinary and endocrine system. Boric acid may accumulate in the body
(brain, bone) with repeated exposure leading to chronic effects. Dermatitis may occur with
prolonged or repeated skin contact. The substance may also cause borism characterized by dry
skin, skin eruptions, and gastric disturbances.
Other information: Boric acid is not a skin sensitizer.
12.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Boric acid is nontoxic to birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, and relatively nontoxic
to certain insects. Its herbicidal and insecticidal use may harm endangered or threatened plants
as well as insects such as fleas and ants.
13.
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal: Observe all local regulations regarding disposal. Avoid unauthorised
disposal.
Page 9 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
14.
BORIC ACID
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
References
-
Beyondpesticides.org. Safety Source for Pest Management, Beyond Pesticides Least Toxic
Service Directory [Online]. [cited 2012 Mar 26]. Available from: URL:
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidefactsheets/leasttoxic/boricacid_bora
tes_borax.htm
-
Grice.cofc.edu. U.S. Borax Inc. Occupational Health and Product Safety Department (661)
287 -6050.20; Mule Team; Material Safety Data Sheet; Boric acid. 2000 [cited 2012 Mar
26]. Available from: URL: http://grice.cofc.edu/pdf/MSDS/Rm209/Boric%20acid.pdf
-
Nationaldiagnostics.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Boric acid [Online]. 2011 [cited
2012 Mar 26]. Available from: URL:
http://www.nationaldiagnostics.com/msds_product.php?products_id=126&msds_mult_nu
m=0&msds_num=0
-
Sciencelab.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Boric acid, MSDS [Online]. 2010 [cited 2012
Mar 26]. Available from: URL: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927105
-
Spiegel R, Meadows D. Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and
Specification. John Wiley and Sons; 2010. p. 362. [cited 2012 Mar 26]. Available from:
URL:
http://books.google.com.mt/books?id=VFg3iSOBPVYC&pg=PT364&lpg=PT364&dq=B
OD5+boric+acid&source=bl&ots=8axFMXJ66Q&sig=Jg6_IlD0f4GQVYFmHhFvkitZFc&hl=mt#v=snippet&q=boric%20acid&f=false
Page 10 of 11 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
15.
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/1_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
BORIC ACID
Appendices
N/A 16.
Revision History
Version Number Amendments/ Reasons for change
01
Initial Release
Page 11 of 11