SAFETY DATA SHEET

1. Identification
Product identifier Boric Acid
Other means of identification
Catalog number 1076341
Chemical name Boric Acid
Synonym(s) Boron trihydroxide
Recommended use Specified quality tests and assay use only.
Recommended restrictions Not for use as a drug. Not for administration to humans or animals.
Manufacturer/Importer/Supplier/Distributor information
Company name U. S. Pharmacopeia
Address 12601 Twinbrook Parkway
Rockville
MD
20852-1790
US
Telephone RS Technical Services 301-816-8129
Website www.usp.org
E-mail RSTECH@usp.org
Emergency phone number CHEMTREC within US & 1-800-424-9300
Canada
CHEMTREC outside US & +1 703-527-3887
Canada

2. Hazard(s) identification
Physical hazards Not classified.
Health hazards Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2
Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2B
Reproductive toxicity Category 1B
OSHA hazard(s) Not classified.

Label elements

Signal word Danger

Hazard statement Causes skin irritation. Causes eye irritation. May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Precautionary statement
Prevention Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read
and understood. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye
protection/face protection.
Response If on skin: Wash with plenty of water. If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. Take
off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for
several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye
irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. If exposed or concerned: Get medical
advice/attention.
Storage Store locked up.
Disposal Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
Hazard(s) not otherwise Not classified.
classified (HNOC)

3. Composition/information on ingredients
Substance

Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US

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Hazardous components
Chemical name Common name and synonyms CAS number %
Boric Acid Boron trihydroxide 10043-35-3 100

4. First-aid measures
Inhalation If dust from the material is inhaled, remove the affected person immediately to fresh air. Call a
physician if symptoms develop or persist.
Skin contact Remove contaminated clothing. Wash off with soap and plenty of water. If skin irritation occurs:
Get medical advice/attention.
Eye contact Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to
do. Continue rinsing. Get medical attention if irritation develops and persists.
Ingestion Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.
Most important Irritation of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Gastrointestinal disturbances. Impaired kidney
symptoms/effects, acute and function. Central nervous system effects.
delayed
Indication of immediate Treatment of boric acid overdose should be symptomatic and supportive and may include the
medical attention and special following: Administer activated charcoal as slurry. For hypotension, administer isotonic fluid. If
treatment needed hypotension persists, administer dopamine or norepinephrine. For seizures, treat with diazepam
or lorazepam. Consider phenobarbital if seizures recur. Diuresis may be considered. Exchange
transfusions may also be considered in chronic exposures. Hemodialysis may be considered for
severely intoxicated patients. Monitor for hypotension, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, seizures,
renal failure, cardiac dysrhythmias, and shock. [Toxicologic Managements]
General information Remove from exposure. Remove contaminated clothing. For treatment advice, seek guidance
from an occupational health physician or other licensed health-care provider familiar with
workplace chemical exposures. In the United States, the national poison control center phone
number is 1-800-222-1222. If person is not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen if available. Persons developing serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
reactions must receive immediate medical attention.

5. Fire-fighting measures
Suitable extinguishing media Use fire-extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials. Water. Foam. Dry chemical or
CO2.
Unsuitable extinguishing None known.
media
Specific hazards arising from No unusual fire or explosion hazards noted.
the chemical
Special protective equipment Wear suitable protective equipment.
and precautions for firefighters
Fire-fighting Use water spray to cool unopened containers. As with all fires, evacuate personnel to a safe area.
equipment/instructions Firefighters should use self-contained breathing equipment and protective clothing.
Specific methods Use standard firefighting procedures and consider the hazards of other involved materials.

6. Accidental release measures

Personal precautions, Keep unnecessary personnel away. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless
protective equipment and wearing appropriate protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid inhalation of dust from
emergency procedures the spilled material. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Methods and materials for Sweep up or vacuum up spillage and collect in suitable container for disposal. Avoid the
containment and cleaning up generation of dusts during clean-up. For waste disposal, see section 13 of the SDS. Clean
surface thoroughly to remove residual contamination.

7. Handling and storage

Precautions for safe handling As a general rule, when handling USP Reference Standards, avoid all contact and inhalation of
dust, mists, and/or vapors associated with the material. Clean equipment and work surfaces with
suitable detergent or solvent after use. After removing gloves, wash hands and other exposed
skin thoroughly.
Conditions for safe storage, Store in tight container as defined in the USP-NF. This material should be handled and stored per
including any incompatibilities label instructions to ensure product integrity.

8. Exposure controls/personal protection

Occupational exposure limits
US. ACGIH Threshold Limit Values

Material Type Value Form

Boric Acid (CAS STEL 6 mg/m3 Inhalable fraction.
10043-35-3)
Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US
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 US. ACGIH Threshold Limit Values

Material Type Value Form

TWA 2 mg/m3 Inhalable fraction.
Biological limit values No biological exposure limits noted for the ingredient(s).
Appropriate engineering Airborne exposure should be controlled primarily by engineering controls such as general dilution
controls ventilation, local exhaust ventilation, or process enclosure. Local exhaust ventilation is generally
preferred to general exhaust because it can control the contaminant at its source, preventing
dispersion into the work area. An industrial hygiene survey involving air monitoring may be used
to determine the effectiveness of engineering controls. Effectiveness of engineering controls
intended for use with highly potent materials should be assessed by use of nontoxic surrogate
materials.
Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment
Eye/face protection Safety glasses with sideshields are recommended. Face shields or goggles may be required if
splash potential exists or if corrosive materials are present. Approved eye protection (e.g., bearing
the ANSI Z87 or CSA stamp) is preferred. Maintain eyewash facilities in the work area.
Skin protection
Hand protection Chemically compatible gloves. For handling solutions, ensure that the glove material is protective
against the solvent being used. Use handling practices that minimize direct hand contact.
Employees who are sensitive to natural rubber (latex) should use nitrile or other synthetic nonlatex
gloves. Use of powdered latex gloves should be avoided due to the risk of latex allergy.
Other For handling of laboratory scale quantities, a cloth lab coat is recommended. Where significant
quantities are handled, work clothing may be necessary to prevent take-home contamination.
Respiratory protection Where respirators are deemed necessary to reduce or control occupational exposures, use
NIOSH-approved respiratory protection and have an effective respirator program in place
(applicable U.S. regulation OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134).
Thermal hazards Not available.
General hygiene Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
considerations

9. Physical and chemical properties

Appearance White powder, crystals, or colorless scales.
Physical state Solid.
Form Powder.
Odor Odorless.
Odor threshold Not available.
pH 5.1 (0.1 molar solution)
3.8 - 4.8 (3.3% aqueous solution)
Melting point/freezing point 339.6 °F (170.9 °C)
Initial boiling point and boiling 572 °F (300 °C)
range
Flash point Not available.
Evaporation rate Not available.
Flammability (solid, gas) Not applicable.
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
Flammability limit - lower Not available.
(%)
Flammability limit - upper Not available.
(%)
Explosive limit - lower (%) Not available.
Explosive limit - upper (%) Not available.
Vapor pressure < 0.0000001 kPa at 25 °C
2.6 mm Hg at 20 ° C
Vapor density Not available.
Relative density Not available.
Solubility in water Soluble; freely soluble in boiling water.
Partition coefficient -0.757 at 25 ° c
(n-octanol/water)
Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US
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Auto-ignition temperature Not available.
Decomposition temperature Not available.
Viscosity Not available.
Other information
Chemical family Borate.
Molecular formula B-H3-O3
Molecular weight 61.84 g/mol
Solubility (other) Soluble in ethanol; freely soluble in glycerol.
Specific gravity 1.435 at 15 °C

10. Stability and reactivity

Reactivity No reactivity hazards known.
Chemical stability Material is stable under normal conditions.
Possibility of hazardous No dangerous reaction known under conditions of normal use.
reactions
Conditions to avoid None known.
Incompatible materials Bases. Acetic anhydride. Carbonates.
Hazardous decomposition Irritating and/or toxic fumes or gases. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions.
products

11. Toxicological information

Information on likely routes of exposure
Ingestion Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.
Inhalation Due to lack of data the classification is not possible.
Skin contact Causes skin irritation.
Eye contact Causes eye irritation.
Symptoms related to the Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Red, scaly skin. Abdominal pain. Excitement. Depression. Lethargy.
physical, chemical, and Seizures. Blue or blue-green discoloration of skin, urine, and stools.
toxicological characteristics
Delayed and immediate effects Dehydration. Kidney failure. Arrhythmias. Shock. Cyanosis. Hypotension. Metabolic acidosis.
of exposure Central nervous system depression. Circulatory collapse.
Acute toxicity
Product Species Test Results
Boric Acid (CAS 10043-35-3)
Acute
Dermal
LD50 Rabbit > 2000 mg/kg
Inhalation
LC50 Rat > 0.002 mg/l, 4 Hours
Oral
LD50 Mouse 3450 mg/kg
Rat 2660 mg/kg
Other
LD50 Mouse 1740 mg/kg
Rat 1400 mg/kg
Skin corrosion/irritation Causes skin irritation.
Serious eye damage/eye Causes eye irritation.
irritation
Local effects
100 mg Eye irritation (Draize)
Result: Mild irritation.
Species: Rabbit
Test Duration: 24 hours
15 mg Skin irritation (Draize)
Result: Mild irritation.
Species: Human
Test Duration: 3 days

Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US

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Local effects
5 ml Skin irritation (10% solution)
Result: Mild irritation.
Species: Rabbit
Test Duration: 24 hours
5 ml Skin irritation (10% solution)
Result: Moderate irritation.
Species: Guinea pig
Test Duration: 24 hours
Respiratory sensitization Due to lack of data the classification is not possible.
Skin sensitization Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.
Sensitization
Buehler test
Result: Non-sensitizing to skin.
Species: Guinea pig
Germ cell mutagenicity Due to lack of data the classification is not possible. Data from germ cell mutagenicity tests were
not found.
Mutagenicity
In vitro DNA repair assay (rat hepatocytes)
Result: Negative.
In vitro genotoxicity assay (human peripheral lymphocytes)
Result: Positive for structural and total aberrations.
In vitro sister chromatid exchange (Chinese hamster ovary
cells)
Result: Negative.
In vivo micronucleus assay (mouse)
Result: Negative.
Carcinogenicity Due to lack of data the classification is not possible. This material is not considered to be a
carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Life-time dietary bioassay
Result: No evidence of carcinogenicity.
Species: Mouse
Reproductive toxicity May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Reproductivity
1003 mg/kg Reproductive study
Result: Fetal malformations and maternal toxicity.
Species: Mouse
163 mg/kg Reproductive study
Result: Fetal malformations and maternal toxicity.
Species: Rat
400 - 500 mg/kg/day Reproductive study
Result: Females dosed before mating had increased
neonatal mortality; males showed testicular atrophy and
infertility.
Species: Rat
Specific target organ toxicity - Due to lack of data the classification is not possible.
single exposure
Specific target organ toxicity - Due to lack of data the classification is not possible.
repeated exposure
Aspiration hazard Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.

12. Ecological information

Ecotoxicity
Product Species Test Results
Boric Acid (CAS 10043-35-3)
Aquatic
Fish LC50 Bonytail (Gila elegans) > 100 mg/l, 96 hours
Persistence and degradability No data is available on the degradability of this product.
Bioaccumulative potential Not available.
Mobility in soil Not available.
Other adverse effects Not available.

Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US

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13. Disposal considerations
Disposal instructions Dispose in accordance with all applicable regulations. Under RCRA, it is the responsibility of the
user of the product to determine, at the time of disposal, whether the product meets RCRA criteria
for hazardous waste.
Local disposal regulations Not available.
Hazardous waste code Not available.
Waste from residues / unused Dispose of in accordance with local regulations. Empty containers or liners may retain some
products product residues. This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe manner (see:
Disposal instructions).
Contaminated packaging Empty containers should be taken to an approved waste handling site for recycling or disposal.
Since emptied containers may retain product residue, follow label warnings even after container is
emptied.

14. Transport information

DOT
Not regulated as a hazardous material by DOT.
IATA
Not regulated as a dangerous good.
Transport in bulk according to No information available.
Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and
the IBC Code

15. Regulatory information

US federal regulations CERCLA/SARA Hazardous Substances - Not applicable.

All components are on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory List.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA)
Hazard categories Immediate Hazard - Yes
Delayed Hazard - Yes
Fire Hazard - No
Pressure Hazard - No
Reactivity Hazard - No
SARA 302 Extremely No
hazardous substance
SARA 311/312 Hazardous No
chemical
Other federal regulations
Safe Drinking Water Act Contaminate candidate list
(SDWA)
Food and Drug Not regulated.
Administration (FDA)
US state regulations California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65): This material
is not known to contain any chemicals currently listed as carcinogens or reproductive toxins.
International Inventories
Country(s) or region Inventory name On inventory (yes/no)*
Australia Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) Yes
Canada Domestic Substances List (DSL) Yes
Canada Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL) No
China Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC) Yes
Europe European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Yes
Substances (EINECS)
Europe European List of Notified Chemical Substances (ELINCS) No
Japan Inventory of Existing and New Chemical Substances (ENCS) Yes
Korea Existing Chemicals List (ECL) Yes
New Zealand New Zealand Inventory Yes
Philippines Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances Yes
(PICCS)
United States & Puerto Rico Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Yes
*A "Yes" indicates that all components of this product comply with the inventory requirements administered by the governing country(s)

Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US

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16. Other information, including date of preparation or last revision
Issue date 09-29-2009
Revision date 10-11-2014
Version # 02
Further information Not available.
Disclaimer USP Reference Standards are sold for chemical test and assay purposes only, and NOT for
human consumption. The information contained herein is applicable solely to the chemical
substance when used as a USP Reference Standard and does not necessarily relate to any other
use of the substance described, (i.e. at different concentrations, in drug dosage forms, or in bulk
quantities). USP Reference Standards are intended for use by persons having technical skill and
at their own discretion and risk. This information has been developed by USP staff from sources
considered reliable but has not been independently verified by the USP. Therefore, the USP
Convention cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in these sources nor should the
statements contained herein be considered an official expression. NO REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE is made with respect to the information
contained herein.
Revision Information This document has undergone significant changes and should be reviewed in its entirety.

Material name: Boric Acid USP SDS US

4911 Version #: 02 Revision date: 10-11-2014 Issue date: 09-29-2009 7/7