International Chemical Safety Cards

BORON OXIDE

ICSC: 0836

Boric anhydride
Boron trioxide
Boron sesquioxide
B₂O₃
Molecular mass: 69.6
ICSC # 0836
CAS # 1303-86-2
RTECS # ED7900000
March 26, 1996 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible.		In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
•INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety spectacles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles).

Dry.

R:
S:

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0836

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

BORON OXIDE

ICSC: 0836

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, ODOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC, BRITTLE, VITREOUS LUMPS OR HARD WHITE CRYSTALS , WITH SLIGHTLY BITTER TASTE.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts slowly with water to form boric acid. Attacks metal in the presence of moist air.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as TWA): 10 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1995-1996).
OSHA PEL: TWA 15 mg/m³
NIOSH REL: TWA 10 mg/m³
NIOSH IDLH: 2000 mg/m³

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: about 1860°C
Melting point: about 450°C

Relative density (water = 1): 2.46 (cryst); 1.8 (amorph)
Solubility in water: moderate

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Also consult ICSC # 0991 (Boric acid).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0836	BORON OXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.