Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Pentaboron nonahydride; [NIOSH]
Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent odor like sour milk; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Pentaborane has been used as a rocket fuel. [ACGIH]
Comments
Workers accidentally exposed to pentaborane vapor experienced central nervous system effects at lower doses and tremors and seizures at higher doses. TLV Basis is CNS toxicity; [ACGIH] A severe irritant of the eyes and respiratory tract; [ICSC] In one industrial accident with a fatality, patients had elevated liver enzymes and rhabdomyolysis. [HSDB] (Rhabdomyolysis is muscle tissue injury with release of myoglobin into the bloodstream and often associated kidney damage.)
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.
Odor Threshold Low
0.97 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 6 ppm/4H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 86 deg F; Pyrophoric (Ignites upon contact with air;) [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: