Sodium borate, decahydrate

Agent Name
Sodium borate, decahydrate
CAS Number
1303-96-4
Formula
B4-O7.2Na.10H2-O
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Borax; Borax decahydrate; Sodium borate decahydrate; Sodium tetraborate decahydrate; [NIOSH]
Category
Metalloid Compounds (Boron)
Description
White, odorless, crystalline solid; Becomes anhydrous at 608 degrees F; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a preservative, antiseptic and fungicide; also used to manufacture glazes, enamels, soldering fluxes and cleaning compounds and to fireproof textiles and wood; [ACGIH] Boric acid and borates as tablets or powder are used to kill larvae in barns and other insects in houses. Rarely, they are sprayed as herbicides. [EPA: Recognition of Pesticide Poisonings] Used in photo developing bath; [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Borax (borax decahydrate) is found naturally in some salt lakes and alkaline soils. Boric acid is formed by crystallizing a solution of hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid and borax. [Hawley]
Comments
The basis for the TLV for inorganic borate compounds is irritation of the nose and respiratory tract. Studies of workers exposed to sodium borate dusts found no evidence of pulmonary function or reproductive impairment. [ACGIH] Repeated skin exposure may cause dermatitis; Toxic by ingestion with effects on the liver, kidneys, and CNS; [ICSC]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
2 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
STEL (ACGIH)
6 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
MAK
0.75 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
Explanatory Notes
TLV is for "Borate compounds, inorganic" for "all forms of sodium borate and boric acid." [ACGIH]

Adverse Effects

Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent