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FLUOROBORIC ACID

ICSC: 1040

Borofluoric acid
Fluoboric acid
Hydrogen tetrafluoroborate
Hydrofluoboric acid
HBF4
Molecular mass: 87.8
ICSC # 1040 		CAS # 16872-11-0
RTECS # ED2685000
UN # 1775
EC # 009-010-00-X
October 24, 1995 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Corrosive. Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Corrosive. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Corrosive. Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking liquid in sealable non-metallic containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs . Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
C symbol
R: 34
S: 1/2-26-27-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 1040 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.

FLUOROBORIC ACID

ICSC: 1040

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen fluoride and fluorine. The substance is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive. Attacks many metals forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC0001).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as fluorides, as F) 2.5 mg/m3 as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (as F) (Inhalable fraction) 1 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(4);
skin absorption (H);
Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2008).


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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the bones and teeth , resulting in fluorosis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 130°C
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 665
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Fluoroboric acid is used as an aqueous solution. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80S1775 or 80GC1-II+III
Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1040 FLUOROBORIC ACID
(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.
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