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SODIUM BORATE, DECAHYDRATEICSC: 0567 (April 2014)
Disodium tetraborate decahydrate
Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
Sodium pyroborate decahydrate
Borax
CAS #: 1303-96-4
EC Number: 215-540-4

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible.        In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.   

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. 
Skin Redness.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). 
Ingestion Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Headache. Weakness. Drowsiness. Convulsions.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

excl mark;warncancer;health haz
DANGER
Causes eye irritation
May damage fertility or the unborn child 

Transportation
UN Classification
 

STORAGE
Well closed. Dry. 
PACKAGING
 
SODIUM BORATE, DECAHYDRATE ICSC: 0567
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE CRYSTALS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The solution in water is a weak base. 

Formula: B4O7Na2. 10H2O
Molecular mass: 381.4
Boiling point: see Notes
Melting point: see Notes
Relative density (water = 1): 1.7
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 5.1  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in impaired functions. 

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly , especially if powdered. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the testes. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: (inhalable fraction): 2 mg/m3, as TWA; 6 mg/m3 as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen) 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
At 75 °C the substance loses crystal water. The anhydrous form has a melting point of 742 °C and decomposes at 1575 °C. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
R: 60-61; S: 53-45; Symbol: T 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations