Boron trifluoride

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P264, P271, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H280 (69.9%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (30.9%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (99.8%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (30.9%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H373 (31.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P363, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 475 reports by companies from 17 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P363, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P363, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Warning: Boron trifluoride is extremely corrosive. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Boron Trifluoride Exposure: Acute inhalation exposure of boron trifluoride may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, and respiratory tract irritation. Bleeding of the nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, bronchitis, pneumonia, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and pulmonary edema may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with boron trifluoride, irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), severe burns, and pain.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to boron trifluoride.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to boron trifluoride.

3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. Humidified oxygen is preferred.

2. IMMEDIATELY give the victims milk or water to dilute the hydrofluoric acid: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Milk or water should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.

3. DO NOT induce vomiting.

4. Milk of Magnesia should be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) for children up to 1 year old, 5 mL (1 tsp) for children 1 to 12 years old, and 10 mL (2 tsp) for adults. Do not exceed 15 mL (3 tsp or 1 tbsp).

5. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

6. Activated charcoal is of no value.

7. Repeat the administration of water or milk to conscious and alert victims. Use quantities listed above (see No. 2).

8. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Evacuate area endangered by gas. Do not get water inside container. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water from the side until well after fire is out. Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water.

Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as afar a distance as possible. Do not use water on material itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities as spray and fog. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1008 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove fumes with fine water spray.

Approach release from upwind. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Avoid wetting leak or spill area. Releases may require isolation or evacuation.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove fumes with fine water spray (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is cylinder and leak cannot be stopped in place, remove ... to safe place in open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Chemical reaction with water to form boric acid and fluoroboric acid. The fluoroboric acid is reacted with limestone forming boric acid and calcium fluoride. The boric acid may be discharged into a sanitary sewer system while the calcium fluoride may be recovered or landfilled.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Gas masks approved for acid gases or those with an independent oxygen or air supply should be available in convenient locations ... do not use equipment which has been used for boron trifluoride with other gases, particularity oxygen, since the gas may have oil vapors which coat out on the equipment, causing fires when combined with oxygen under pressure. /To prevent/ the possibility of suckback into the cylinder, traps or check valves should be used as a safe-guard.

Fountains and safety showers must be provided in areas of potential boron trifluoride exposure, since skin and eye effects can be minimized with immediate, thorough washing of exposed surfaces.

Food preparation, dispensing (including vending machines), and eating should be prohibited in boron trifluoride work areas. Smoking and uncovered smoking materials should be prohibited in boron trifluoride work areas because of the possibility of adsorption of the compound onto smoking materials.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 125 [Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, alkyl nitrates and lime. Cool.

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from water, active metals, monomers.

Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from water, active metals, monomers.

Fireproof if in building. Separated from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, alkyl nitrates and lime. Cool.

Cylinders of boron trifluoride must be secured against dropping, falling and rupture. Storage areas must be free of excess moisture, and to minimize corrosion, the cylinders must not be stored on damp ground. No boron trifluoride storage area may contain explosives or flammable materials. Laboratories are advised to store boron trifluoride cylinders in exhaust hoods and to maintain design airflows.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: mg/m3)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: mg/m3)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: mg/m3)

2.5 mg/m3

37 mg/m3

110 mg/m3

29 mg/m3

88 mg/m3

18 mg/m3

55 mg/m3

9.3 mg/m3

28 mg/m3

NOTE THAT VALUES ARE IN mg/m3, NOT ppm.

AEGLs Status: Final

2.5 [mg/m3]

29 [mg/m3]

88 [mg/m3]

1 ppm (3 mg/m³)

C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)

25 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Other animal data: Exposure to a concentration of 100 ppm resulted in a uniformly high mortality rate in six laboratory species, and 15 ppm was occasionally fatal in 30-day studies [Stokinger et al. 1953]. Rats exposed 6 hours/day to 24 ppm or 2 weeks to 9 ppm showed signs of respiratory irritation, depression of body weight, increased lung weights, and depressed liver weights [Rusch et al. 1986].

See: 7637072

0.1 [ppm]

0.7 [ppm]

Ceiling Limit: 1 ppm.

0.1 ppm as TWA; (ceiling value): 0.7 ppm as STEL

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

Boron trifluoride is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is toxic by inhalation. It is soluble in water and slowly hydrolyzed by cold water to give off hydrofluoric acid, a corrosive material. Its vapors are heavier than air. Prolonged exposure of the containers to fire or heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing.

Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor; Note: Forms dense white fumes in moist air. Shipped as a nonliquefied compressed gas; [NIOSH] Vapor density = 2.34 (heavier than air); [Burke, p. 100]

COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. FORMS WHITE FUMES IN MOIST AIR.

Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor.

Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Forms dense white fumes in moist air. Shipped as a nonliquefied compressed gas.]

Colorless gas

Pungent, suffocating odor

Pungent, irritating

-148 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

-99.9 °C

-100 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-196.1 °F (EPA, 1998)

-126.8 °C

106 % (in cold H2O) (NIOSH, 2024)

Solubility in water: 332 g/100 g at 0 °C; some hydrolysis occurs to form fluoboric and boric acids

Soluble in cold water, hydrolyzes in hot water

Soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid and most organic solvents

Soluble in concentrated nitric acid, benzene, dichlorobenzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide

Solubility in anhydrous sulfuric acid: 1.94 g/100 g; soluble in most saturated and halogenated hydrocarbons and in aromatic compounds

Solubility in water: reaction

106% (in cold H2O)

1.6 (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

1.57 at -100.4 °C/4 °C (liquid); 3.07666 g/L (gas at STP)

Density: 2.772 g/L

2.99 @25 °C

2.38(relative gas density)

2.4 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.4

760 mmHg at -149.26 °F Liquid (EPA, 1998)

Vapor pressure: 1 Pa at -173.9 °C (solid); 10 Pa at -166.0 °C (solid); 100 Pa at -156.0 °C (solid); 1 kPa at -143.0 °C (solid); 10 kPa at -125.9 °C; 100 kPa at -101.1 °C

4874 kPa (3.656X10+4 mm Hg) at 260 K (-13.2 °C)

36560 [mm Hg] @-13.2 °C

Boron trifluoride ... is stable in dry atmospheres.

Trialkylboranes are stable indefinitely when stored under an inert atmosphere. /Trialkylboranes/

Dangerous; when heated to decomposition or upon contact with water or steam, will produce toxic and corrosive fumes of /hydrogen fluoride/.

The toxic action of the halogenated borons is considerably influenced by their decomposition products (hydrofluoric acid-, fluoboric acid-, hydrochloric acid-). /Halogenated borons/

0.0171 m Pa.s (gas) at 25 °C

Boron trifluoride will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings

19.33 kJ/mol at -101 °C

17.2 mN/m at -100 °C

Fumes in air. Soluble in water and slowly hydrolyzed by cold water to give hydrofluoric acid. Reacts more rapidly with hot water.

Fluoride Salts, Soluble

Acids, Weak

Known Catalytic Activity

Water-Reactive

Air-Reactive

CSL00010

BORON TRIFLUORIDE + AZIDOTRIMETHYLSILANE

Combinations of TMSN3 and Lewis acids can detonate, presumably due to formation of HN3 from residual water. Avoid Lewis acids.

Explosive

Cycloaddition

User-Reported

BORON TRIFLUORIDE is a colorless, strongly irritating, toxic gas. Upon contact with water, steam or when heated to decomposition, it will produce toxic fluoride fumes. Incompatible with alkyl nitrates, calcium oxide. Reaction with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals (except magnesium) will cause incandescence [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 65].

Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, except magnesium.

Ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, benzyl, and triphenylmethyl nitrates in contact with ... boron trifluoride interact violently (after an induction period of up to several hr) with gas evolution.

The reaction of calcium oxide and boron trifluoride forms a fused mass after warming.

Hydrolyzes to produce boric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and fluoboric acid. Catalyst for many polymerization reactions.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Alkali metals, calcium oxide [Note: Hydrolyzes in moist air or hot water to form boric acid, hydrogen fluoride & fluoboric acid.]

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Serious local effects on contact with skin.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact

Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing.

Redness. Burning sensation. Pain. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.

irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory system; epistaxis (nosebleed); eye, skin burns; In Animals: pneumonitis; kidney damage

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

HEAST Current

LC50 (rat) = 1,180 mg/m3/4hr

LC50 Rat (male) inhalation 387 (320-467) ppm/1 hr

LC50 Rat inhalation 1.21 mg/L/4 hr

LC50 Rat inhalation 1180 mg/cu m/4 hr

LC50 Mouse inhalation 3460 mg/cu m/2 hr

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

If strong concentrations of boron trifluoride gas get into the eyes, wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water, lifting the lower and upper lids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.

If strong concentrations of boron trifluoride gas contact the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If strong concentrations of boron trifluoride gas penetrate through the clothing, remove the clothing immediately and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

If a person breathes in large amounts of boron trifluoride, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Move the affected person from the hazardous exposure. If the exposed person has been overcome, notify someone else and put into effect the estalished emergency rescue procedures. Do not become a casualty. Understand the facility's emergency rescue procedures and know the locations of rescue equipment before the need arises. /Boron trifluoride/

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

In the absence of a suitable monitoring method ... medical surveillance, including comprehensive placement and annual periodic exam /should/ be made available to all workers ... in areas where boron trifluoride is manufactured, used, handled, or is evolved as a result of chemical processes.

Initial Medical Examination: ... Resp system and kidneys should be stressed. The skin and eyes should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. Surveillance of the lung is indicated. ... Examinations should be repeated on an annual basis.

Preplacement examinations should include a physical examination giving particular attention to the respiratory system and using appropriate pulmonary function tests such as FEV, and FVC.

Fluoride levels in urine should be checked periodically. /Fluoride and cmpd/

No specific considerations are needed for boric acid or borates except for general health and liver and kidney function. /Boric acid and borates/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ In... manufacturing plant in USA, physical exams initiated in 1974 for small group of workers including 7 with present and 6 with past exposures to boron trifluoride or other fluorides, ranging from 1 to 27 yr. Five of the 7 currently exposed, and 3 of 6 with previous exposures showed lower pulmonary function (forced VC and FEV) than predicted for normal population. Lowered pulmonary function was severe in 1, moderate in 3, and minimal in 1 of 7 currently exposed who had average exposure of 13 yr. X-rays were negative, and no urinary fluorine concentrations were above acceptable preshift concentrations of 4 mg/L.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ /Possible effects of exposure on/ skin /include/ redness, burning sensation, pain, and on contact with liquid: frostbite.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ /Possible effects of exposure by/ inhalation /include/ corrosion, burning sensation, cough, and labored breathing.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE: Corrosive. Tear drawing. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the gas may cause lung edema. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 4-hour LC50 in rats was reported as 436 ppm for boron trifluoride dihydrate, which is a related compound formed through hydrolysis in moist air. Outward signs, including gasping, excessive oral and nasal discharge, and lacrimation, were observed. /Boron trifluoride dihydrate/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a two-week study, rats exposed at 67 ppm for 6 hours/day died before the sixth daily exposure. Histopathology showed kidney damage (necrosis and pyknosis of the proximal tubular epithelium).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The principal feature in acute action... is the irritation of mucous membranes of respiratory tract and eyes. In animal acute experiments, a concentration of 42 mg/cu m proved fatal in some cases. Examination revealed a fall in inorganic phosphorus level in blood and autopsy showed pneumonia and degenerative changes in renal tubules. Long-term (4 month) exposure to 3 and 10 mg/cu m... produced irritation of respiratory tract, dysproteinemia, reduction in cholinesterase activity and increased nervous system lability. Exposure to high concentration results in reduction of acetyl carbonic acid and inorganic phosphorus levels in blood, and dental fluorosis.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/The objectives of this study were to examine the respiratory irritancy of boron trifluoride (BF(3)) and fluorosulfonic acid (FSA) following acute inhalation exposure. Testing was conducted using groups of 10 male and 10 female rats (BF(3)) or groups of 6 male rats (FSA). Rats were exposed for a single 4-hr period (BF(3)) or a single 1-hr period (FSA) and necropsied 1 or 14 days after exposure (BF(3)) or 14 days after exposure (FSA). Measurements consisted of clinical signs, body weight, kidney and lung weight, histopathology (BF(3)), and breathing parameters (FSA) and were used to evaluate the possible irritating effects of these compounds. The results indicated treatment-related findings in the larynx and trachea in the rats exposed to 74.4 mg/cu m BF(3), consisting of ventral cartilage necrosis, hemorrhage, and an increase in ventral epithelial hyperplasia and ventral inflammatory cell inflammation 24 hr postexposure. In the animals sacrificed 14 days postexposure, the only notable observation was ventral cartilage necrosis, present in 2 animals. The next lower level tested, 24.6 mg/cu m BF, was considered a no-observed-adverse-effects level (NOAEL). A concentration of 4125 mg/m(3) FSA resulted in a clearly decreased breathing rate during and shortly after exposure with 67% (4/6) mortality on days 5-9 after exposure. A concentration of 845 mg/m(3) FSA resulted in only minor signs of irritation, consisting of slight changes in breathing pattern shorlty after exposure. The results of the present 4-h inhalation study with BF(3) indicated that respiratory irritation was present at a level of 74.4 mg/cu m whereas 24.6 mg/cu m was a NOAEL. A single 1-hr exposure to 845 mg/cu m FSA resulted in only minor signs of respiratory irritation, indicating that on a mass basis FSA is no more toxic or irritating than hydrogen fluoride (HF) or sulfuric acid.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Persons with impaired pulmonary function may be at increased risk from exposure /to boron trifluoride/.

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill); Conditions: static; Concentration: 15 g/L for 24 hr /formulated product/

3.10e+03

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill); Conditions: static; Concentration: 15 g/L for 24 hr /formulated product/

3.10e+03

4.70e+04

1.40e+01

5.70e+01

2.60e+01

4.00e+00

4.00e-02

1.30e-02

Volatile

9.40e+03

1.40e+05

4.10e+01

1.70e+02

7.90e+01

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

The chemistry of boron is dominated by its tendency to form stable bonds with electronegative atoms, especially oxygen. Reduced boron compounds (halides, hydrides, alkyls and aryls) tend to oxidize and hydrolyze readily, and would be expected to be converted into various boron-oxide compounds in the environment. Inorganic boron compounds are nonvolatile and would not be expected to volatilize from moist or dry soil surfaces. (SRC)

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of boron trifluoride is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 3,819 workers (524 of these are female) are potentially exposed to boron trifluoride(1). Occupational exposure to boron trifluoride may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where boron trifuloride is produced or used(SRC).

Inhalation of vapors or skin and eye contact.

The following list includes some common operation in which exposure to boron trifluoride may occur ... Use as a Lewis acid catalyst for alkylation of aromatic compounds; use in polymer technology in manufacture of phenolic and epoxy resins; Use in synthesis of other boron-containing organic and inorganic compounds; use in purification of hydrocarbons to remove unsaturates and sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen containing compounds; Use in nuclear technology for separation of boron isotopes; as a filling gas for neutron counters; Use in metallurgy as flux and antioxidant; use as flame coloring agent for liquefied petroleum gas.

For more Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Chemical reaction with water to form boric acid and fluoroboric acid. The fluoroboric acid is reacted with limestone forming boric acid and calcium fluoride. The boric acid may be discharged into a sanitary sewer system while the calcium fluoride may be recovered or landfilled.

If ... THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances /(see table below)/ ... to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the appropriate guide /(see guide(s) below)/ and use the evacuation information shown under PUBLIC SAFETY. /Boron trifluoride, Boron trifluoride, compressed/

Table: Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Boron trifluoride [Table#1051]

/GUIDE 125: GASES - CORROSIVE/ Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/

/GUIDE 125: GASES - CORROSIVE/ Fire or Explosion: Some may burn, but none ignite readily. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Some of these materials may react violently with water. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/

/GUIDE 125: GASES - CORROSIVE/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for BORON TRIFLUORIDE (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1008; Boron trifluoride

IMO 6.1; Boron trifluoride

UN 2851; Boron trifluoride dihydrate

IMO 8.2; Boron trifluoride dihydrate

49 041 10; Boron trifluoride

49 302 02; Boron trifluoride-acetic acid complex

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Poison Gas Corrosive

Symbol: T+, C; R: 14-26-35; S: (1/2)-9-26-28-36/37/39-45

UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8