Diammonium decaborate

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

1. Description of first aid measures:

The product is a white odourless, powdered substance that is not flammable, combustible, or explosive, and has low acute oral and dermal toxicity.

Usually no assistance by a doctor is required. For ingestion in excess of 8 grams, maintain adequate kidney function and force fluid. Gastric lavage is recommended for symptomatic patients only. Haemodialysis should be reserved for massive acute ingestion or patients with renal failure.

2. Symptoms and effects:

Inhalation is the most significant route of exposure in occupational and other settings. Dermal exposure is not usually a concern because the product is poorly absorbed through intact skin

- Inhalation: Accidental inhalation of dust, at levels greater than 10 mg/m3, may cause light irritation to the first respiratory system. If symptoms such as nose or throat irritation are observed, remove person to fresh air . No specific treatment is necessary.

- Eye contact: it is non-irritating to eyes ; rarely can cause redness. Use eye wash fountain or fresh water to clean the eyes. If irritation persists for more than 30 minutes, seek medical attention.

- Skin contact: No treatment necessary because no Irritating. The product is poorly absorbed through intact skin. If the irritation appears wash with soap and abundant water for a number of minutes.

- Ingestion: The product is not intended for ingestion. Small amounts (tea weapon) swallowed accidentally are not likely to cause effects. Swallowing amounts larger than that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms . Wash with abundant running water .Give two glasses of water or milk to drink and seek medical attention.

- Reproductive/Developmental:

Boric Acid :

Animal Data: Animal feeding studies in rat, mouse and dog, at high doses, have demonstrated effects on fertility and testes. Studies in rat, mouse and rabbit, at high doses, demonstrate developmental effects on the foetus including foetal weight loss and minor skeletal variations. The doses administered were many times in excess of those which humans would normally be exposed to.

Human data: Human epidemiological studies show no increase in pulmonary disease in occupational populations with chronic exposures to boric acid dust and sodium borate dust. Recent epidemiology studies under the conditions of normal occupational exposure to borate dusts indicated no effect on fertility.

3. Environment: Large amounts of Ammonium Pentaborate can be harmful to plants and other species. Therefore releases to the environment should be minimised.

Fire-fighting measures

1. Fire:

Substance is not flammable, combustible or explosive (some boron products are used as a flame retardant).

2. Appropriate extinguishing means and procedures:

Any fire extinguishing media may be used on nearby fires.

3. Forbidden extinguishing means:

All means can be used.

4. Fire derived risks:

a) To the product itself: no effect

b) Products of combustion: The substance gradually loses its own water of crystallization when heated

c) From fumes: Gas resulting contains NH3 (toxic gas)

5. Fire-fighting equipment:

Gas masks must protect from fire gases.

Accidental release measures

1. Personal precautions:

Wear goggles (class P1) and glasses when exposure is prolonged and high is concentration in the air.

2. Environmental precautions:

Confine spillage to avoid contamination of water bodies. Do not disperse waste in the environment or in drain.

3. Methods for cleaning:

Collect product into a suitable receptacle and dispose; wash the area with water, taking the appropriate precautions against pollution. Not to unload residuals in drain.

Handling and storage

1. Handling:

Use the product in accordance with good working practice, avoiding dispersal into the environment. Handle the product in a well-ventilated and well-aerated location. Carefully rinse hands after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking.

2. Storage:

In cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from strong reducing agents.

To avoid product downgrade:

-to limit air humidity

-to protect from light

-to keep at a temperature between 20°C and 35°C

Transport information

Shipping

SpecialProvisions

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

Shipping

Remarks

Shipping

Remarks

Additional transport information

Additional information

Special provisions / remarks / other:

Not regulated under international transport regulations.

Exposure controls / personal protection

1. Exposure limit values:

- TLV – TWA: 10 mg/m3 (ACGIH 2006)

- TLV – TWA: 5 mg/m3 (recommended by registrant)

2. Exposure controls:

To Measure level of dust in the air. Keep concentrations below exposure limits.

2.1 Occupational exposure controls:

a) Respiratory protection : Wear protective masks for long exposures and high concentration levels

b) Hand protection : No particular means of protection is necessary. Wash hands after contact with material .Do not eat or smoke while handling the product. Wash hands before eating and at the end of the work shift.

c) Eye protection : Wear security glasses for long exposures and high concentration levels.

d) Skin protection : Wear conventional working clothes.

2.2. Environmental exposure controls

Respect all standards and laws concerning emission limits in the atmosphere and waters

Stability and reactivity

The substance is stable in the suggested conditions.

1. Conditions to avoid:

High temperatures and direct contact with fire or heat sources.

2. Materials to avoid:

The substance reacts as a weak acid which may cause corrosion of base metals. Reaction with strong reducing agents such as metal hydrides or alkali metals will generate hydrogen gas which could create an explosive hazard.Reactions with strong bases can generate Ammonia.

3. Hazardous decomposition products:

None

Disposal considerations

1. Disposal of the substance:

In accordance with applicable local regulations. Not disperse in city drain or water course.

2. Contaminated packaging:

Special waste to be taken to authorized disposal.