Sodium metaborate

Synonyms

Boric acid (HBO2), sodium salt; Borosoap; Kodalk; Sodium borate; Sodium borate (NaBO2); Boric acid, monosodium salt; Sodium metaborate, anhydrous; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Metalloid Compounds (Boron)

Description

White solid; [Merck Index] Hydrate: Cream colored powder; [MSDSonline] Commercially available as octahydrate and tetrahydrate; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used in cleansers, detergents, adhesives, and photographic solutions; Also used as a fire retardant in sodium chlorate, a defoliant; a textile finishing agent, and a sequestrant; Tetrahydrate: Used as an insecticide, fungicide, nematocide, and herbicide (non-crop land, cotton production, and under asphalt); Workers in mining and processing are exposed; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin irritant; Toxic by ingestion; Oral LD50 (rat) = 2330 mg/kg; [HSDB] Also found commercially as octa- and tetrahydrate; [Hawley] No published studies on reproductive effects; See boric acid; [REPROTOX] A strong oxidizing agent; An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Boric acid."

Biomedical References

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Photographic Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives