BORON TRIFLUORIDE
CASRN: 7637-07-2 For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
At high concn, boron trifluoride causes burns to skin similar to those caused
by hydrogen fluoride, although boron trifluoride burns do not penetrate as deeply
as do hydrogen fluoride burns. [National Research Council. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1981. 92]**PEER
REVIEWED**
A description of effects on 78 workers exposed from 10 to 15 yr to boron trifluoride,
as reported in a USSR abstract, consisted of complaints of dryness & bleeding
of nasal mucosa, bleeding gums, dry & scaly skin, & pain in joints.
... No specific ... concn were reported ... & ... there was /also/ concurrent
exposure to ethylene & isobutylene with no reported concn ... . [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2999]**PEER REVIEWED**
In ... manufacturing plant in USA, physical exams initiated in 1974 for small
group of workers incl 7 with present & 6 with past exposures to boron trifluoride
or other fluorides, ranging from 1 to 27 yr. Five of the 7 currently exposed,
& 3 of 6 with previous exposures showed lower pulmonary function (forced
VC & FEV) than predicted for normal population. Lowered pulmonary function
was severe in 1, moderate in 3, & minimal in 1 of 7 currently exposed who
had avg exposure of 13 yr. X-rays were negative, & no urinary fluorine concn
were above acceptable preshift concn of 4 mg/l. [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2999]**PEER REVIEWED**
Workers exposed to up to 90 mg/cu m (approx 32 ppm) for 10-15 yr developed
dryness of nasal mucuous membranes and epistaxis (nosebleed). [Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 2]**PEER REVIEWED**
Severe exposures can lead to severe irritation of the eyes and eyelids and
to inflamation and congestion of the lung and circulatory (cardiovascular) collapse.
Skin contact with the liquid or vapor can cause severe burns. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.51 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. Severe gastritis or gastroenteritis with abdominal pain,
retching, and prolonged vomiting, beginning 10-60 min after ingestion. Vomitus
may become bloody. Diarrhea is sometimes violent; the feces are watery and later
tarry. Dehydration becomes intense. 2. Shock, pallor, cyanosis and coldness.
Rapid, weak or imperceptible pulse, low blood pressure, rapid and shallow respirations.
3. Sometimes breathing is deep and rapid, reflecting an accompanying metabolic
acidosis. 4. Drowsiness, hyporeflexia, dilated pupils, coma. Vasomotor instability,
shock or coma and a serum iron level in great excess of the total iron-binding
capacity are poor prognostic signs. /Fluoride/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-190]**PEER REVIEWED**
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 5. Liver injury, consisting of hemorrhagic necrosis which
is usually reversible. 6. Death from shock, usually in 4-5 hr. Sometimes following
apparent recovery, pneumonia with fever or secondary shock may cause death 1-3
days later. 7. Among survivors pyloric stenosis and mild hepatic cirrhosis may
be encountered as persistent sequelae, but recovery is usually complete. /Fluoride/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-190]**PEER REVIEWED**
Initial symptoms from ingestion /include/ ... salivation, nausea, abdominal
pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. ... The patient shows signs of increased irritability
of the nervous system, including paresthesias, a positive Chvostek sign, hyperactive
reflexes, and tonic and clonic convulsions. ... Hypocalcemia and hypoglycemia
are frequent lab findings. ... Pain in various muscle groups ... blood pressure
falls ... due to central vasomotor depression as well as direct toxic action
on cardiac muscle. The respiratory center is first stimulated and later depressed.
Death ... from either respiratory paralysis or cardiac failure. /Fluoride salts/
[Gilman, A.G., L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and
Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985. 1539]**PEER REVIEWED**
... THE MAJOR MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRONIC INGESTION OF EXCESSIVE AMT OF FLUORIDE
ARE OSTEOSCLEROSIS & MOTTLED ENAMEL. CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO EXCESS FLUORIDE
CAUSES INCR OSTEOBLASTIC ACTIVITY. ... DENSITY AND CALCIFICATION OF BONE ARE
INCR ... THOUGHT TO REPRESENT THE REPLACEMENT OF HYDROXYAPATITE BY THE DENSER
FLUOROAPATITE. /FLUORIDE SALTS/ [Gilman, A.G., L.S.Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and
Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 7th ed. New York: Macmillan
Publishing Co., Inc., 1985. 1539]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chronic poisoning: Intake of more than 6 mg of fluoride per day results in
fluorosis. Symptoms are weight loss, brittleness of bones, anemia, weakness,
general ill health, stiffness of joints. ... /Fluoride/ [Dreisbach, R. H. Handbook of Poisoning. 9th ed. Los Altos, California:
Lange Medical Publications, 1977. 207]**PEER REVIEWED**
BORON ... AFFECTS CNS ... /CAUSING/ DEPRESSION OF CIRCULATION, PERSISTENT
VOMITING & DIARRHEA, FOLLOWED BY PROFOUND SHOCK & COMA. TEMP BECOMES
SUB-NORMAL & SCARLETINA-FORM RASH MAY COVER ENTIRE BODY. /BORON CMPD/ [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th
ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 513]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chronic poisoning: (From ingestion, skin absorption, or absorption from body
cavities or mucous membranes) prolonged absorption causes anorexia, weight loss,
vomiting, mild diarrhea, skin rash, alopecia, convulsions and anemia. /Boric
acid & boron derivatives/ [Dreisbach, R.H. Handbook of Poisoning. 12th ed. Norwalk, CT:
Appleton and Lange, 1987. 361]**PEER REVIEWED**
BECAUSE HIGHEST CONCN ARE REACHED DURING EXCRETION, THE KIDNEYS ARE MORE SERIOUSLY
DAMAGED THAN OTHER ORGANS. /BORIC ACID & BORON DERIVATIVES/ [Dreisbach, R.H. Handbook of Poisoning. 12th ed. Norwalk, CT:
Appleton and Lange, 1987. 360]**PEER REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Extremely irritating to eyes & respiratory tract. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
The gas is very irritating to the skin. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.12 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Drug Warnings:
Food and Environmental Agents: Effect on Breast-Feeding: Reported Sign or
Symptom in Infant or Effect on Lactation: Fluorides: None. /from Table 7/ [Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs
in Pediatrics 93 (1): 142 (1994)]**QC REVIEWED**
Medical Surveillance:
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. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 142]**PEER REVIEWED**
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.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 1]**PEER REVIEWED**
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. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.2 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fluoride levels in urine should be checked periodically. /Fluoride and cmpd/
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health
and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office,
1983. 894]**PEER REVIEWED**
Populations at Special Risk:
Persons with impaired pulmonary function may be at increased risk from exposure
/to boron trifluoride/. [Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 1]**PEER REVIEWED**
Populations that appear to be at increased risk from the effects of fluoride
are individuals that suffer from diabetes insipidus or some forms of renal impairment.
These high risk populations represent a relatively small segment of the general
populations. /Fluoride/ [USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft):
Fluoride p.I-5 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of vapors or skin and eye contact. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH estimates 50,000 employees are potentially exposed ... in the United
States. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
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 seperation 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.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Employees with potential exposure to boron trifluoride include the initial
manufactures, magnesium founders, organic synthesizers, neutron detector instrument
manufactures and fumigant producers. [Milby TH et al; Occupaional Diseases-A Guide to Their Recognition,
Publication No. 1097 (1964) as cited in NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride
p.16 (1976) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Industrial exposures ... occur from release ... into the worker atmosphere
as well as from production & handling ... /Boron halides/ [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2996]**PEER REVIEWED**
Average Daily Intake:
Total daily boron intake in normal human diets ranges from 2.1-4.3 mg boron/kg
body weight (bw)/day. /Total boron/ [Zook Eg, Lehman J; J Assoc Off Agric Chem 48: 850-5 (1965)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Emergency Medical Treatment:
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The following Overview, *** BORON TRIFLUORIDE ***, is relevant for this
HSDB record chemical.
Life Support:
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted.
Clinical Effects:
SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Boron trifluoride is a severe irritant to the lungs and
eyes and corrosive on skin contact. Effects are
similar to that of hydrogen fluoride but less severe.
o It reacts in moist air to form boric acid, hydrogen
fluoride, fluoroboric acid, and other products. Thus
the respiratory passage (which contains moist air) may
produce these products which would be free to react
with tissue.
o SYSTEMIC EFFECTS - BORON affects the central nervous
system, leading to depressed blood pressure, persistent
vomiting, and diarrhea.
o INHALATION EXPOSURE - Acute exposure to boron
trifluoride gas has resulted in loss of consciousness
and hypoxemia.
o DERMAL EXPOSURE - Boron trifluoride can burn the skin,
and contact with the liquid may cause frostbite. It is
absorbed through the skin.
o ORAL EXPOSURE - In acute ingestions, severe gastritis
or gastroenteritis with abdominal pain may be seen.
Vomiting begins within an hour. Diarrhea with watery,
tarry feces may follow with dehydration. Liver injury
will occur.
0.2.1.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
o Lowered pulmonary function, dried mucous membranes and
nosebleeds, severe irritation of the eyes and eyelids,
as well as inflammation and congestion of the lungs may
occur with chronic exposure to this compound (HSDB,
1992).
HEENT
0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Teeth: Rats exposed to 15 to 100 ppm developed
hypoplasia of the teeth and excessive fluoride
deposition.
o Eye irritation has not been reported in humans but has
been seen in animals exposed to this gas.
o Nose bleed and nasal dryness has been reported in
humans.
RESPIRATORY
0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Acute inhalations have resulted in hypoxemia.
o Pulmonary irritation is expected with inhalation.
Pneumonitis has been reported in animals. Long term
effects in humans are unclear. Physical examination of
exposed workers appear to show some decrease in
pulmonary function without positive x-ray findings.
0.2.6.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
o Physical examination of exposed workers appear to show
some decrease in pulmonary function without positive
x-ray findings.
NEUROLOGIC
0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Acute exposure to boron trifluoride gas has resulted in
rapid loss of consciousness.
GENITOURINARY
0.2.10.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Renal tubular degeneration has been reported in fatally
poisoned animals.
FLUID-ELECTROLYTE
0.2.12.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemic and elevated fluoride
levels have developed in animal studies.
0.2.12.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
o Phosphorous: Dogs exposed to 100 ppm for 30 days
developed decreased blood phosphorous levels.
DERMATOLOGIC
0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Skin irritation is expected on contact. When soaked
into a cotton ball and placed on the skin for 1 to 2
days, boron fluoride left a HF type burn.
Laboratory:
o No methods for determining boron trifluoride in biological
specimens is available in normal hospital laboratories.
o No toxic serum levels have been developed, but patients
chronically exposed may have elevated fluoride levels or
diminished phosphorous or calcium levels.
o A chest x-ray may be indicated in exposed individuals.
Treatment Overview:
SUMMARY EXPOSURE
o There is no specific antidote. Treatment is directed at
supporting respirations and limiting potential caustic
damage.
INHALATION EXPOSURE
o INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for
respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing
develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and
assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with
beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.
o If inhaled, observe in a medical facility for 72 hours
for delayed onset of severe pulmonary edema.
o Chest x-ray should be obtained.
o PULMONARY EDEMA (NONCARDIOGENIC): Maintain ventilation
and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial
blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring. Early use of
PEEP and mechanical ventilation may be needed.
EYE EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious
amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If
irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia
persist, the patient should be seen in a health care
facility.
DERMAL EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and wash
exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A
physician may need to examine the area if irritation or
pain persists.
Range of Toxicity:
o The minimum lethal exposure has not been established for
humans.
o Levels of 12 ppm and below in a general work area have
been reported without comment on adverse effects.
o Rats exposed to 17 mg/m(3) developed renal toxicity while
those exposed to 6 mg/m(3) did not produce toxic symptoms.
The principal feature in acute action ... is the irritation of mucous membranes
of respiratory tract & eyes. In animal acute experiments, a concn of 42
mg/cu m proved fatal in some cases. Exam revealed a fall in inorg phosphorus
level in blood & autopsy showed pneumonia & degenerative changes in
renal tubules. Long-term (4 mo) exposure to 3 & 10 mg/cu m ... produced
irritation of resp tract, dysproteinemia, reduction in cholinesterase activity
& increased nervous system lability. Exposure to high concn results in reduction
of acetyl carbonic acid & inorg phosphorus levels in blood, & dental
fluorosis. [International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health
and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office,
1983. 320]**PEER REVIEWED**
... /Inhalation studies with animals were done/ with exposure periods up to
6 mo & with analytic monitoring of chamber concn. ... /It was/ found that
... daily inhalation exposure of rats, rabbits & guinea pigs resulted in
respiratory irritation to such a degree as to cause death of guinea pigs from
resp failure, which occurred after 19th exposure day at nominal concn of 12.8
ppm as boron trifluoride (calculated concn about 6.5 ppm). Death still occurred
in guinea pigs, but not in rats, exposed at analyzed concn of 3 to 4 ppm, but
all 3 species exposed at analyzed concn of 1.5 ppm were ... minimally affected,
with avg body wt of guinea pigs only 85% of that of controls, & showing
... occasional pneumonitis. Rabbits did not differ histologically from controls.
Like previous findings, fluorosis of rat teeth was evident at highest concn,
but ... doubtful ... at next lowest level. [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2998]**PEER REVIEWED**
Exposure of 6 animal species to 100 ppm, 4-7 hr/day, 5 days/wk in a 30 day
experiment killed all animals, most within the test period. Guinea pigs were
most susceptible ... dogs least ... The primary site of damage was the lung
... Kidney damage ... also occurs. [Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 1]**PEER REVIEWED**
An acute study of boron trifluoride (BF3) in rats indicated the 4 hr LC50
to be 1.21 mg/l. In a 2 week study, all animals exposed to 180 mg/cu m died
prior to the sixth exposure, rats exposed at concn of 66 and 24 mg/cu m showed
clinical signs of respiratory irritation, body weight gain depressions, increased
lung weights, and depressed liver weights. Histopathology showed necrosis and
pyknosis of the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidneys. This effect was
limited to the high-concn exposure group. Based on the results of these studies,
Fischer 344 rats were exposed 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks to a respirable,
liquid aerosol of BF3 at concn of 0, 2.0, 6.0, and 17 mg/cu m. One rat in the
high exposure group died. The most significant finding in this group was necrosis
of the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidneys. Other observations noted
during the study included dried material around the nose and mouth, rales and
excessive lacrimation, reversible depression of serum total protein and globulin
concn, and increases in urinary, serum, and bone fluoride amounts. In the lower
exposure groups, findings of respiratory irritation were minimal. All observations
occurred in a dose-related pattern. Based on this study, exposure to BF3 at
17 mg/cu m resulted in renal toxicity, while exposure at 6 mg/cu m, although
showing elevations of fluoride amounts, did not result in a toxic response.
[Rusch GM et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 83 (1): 69-78 (1986)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boron trifluoride is primarily a respiratory irritant which predisposed the
exposed /guinea pigs/ to respiratory infection. Exposure at 100 ppm (277 mg/cu
m) was fatal to all animals. Physiological responses prior to death included
respiratory irritation and infection, kidney damage, retarded growth, and severe
progressive fluorosis in rat teeth. Exposure at 15 ppm (41.5 mg/cu m) did not
produce fluorosis, but did predispose guinea pigs to a rate of respiratory infection
greater than that found in controls. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.27 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Ten male guinea pigs and 14 female rats were exposed to boron trifluoride
at a nominal concentration of 12.8 ppm (35 mg/cu m), 7 hours/day, 5 days/week,
for up to 3 months. Examinations showed the guinea pigs had difficulty in breathing
and appeared asthmatic. Exposed guinea pigs had increased lung weights averaging
0.80 g/100 g of body weight, compared to lung weights of 0.64 g/100 of body
weight for the control animals. Gross examination revealed pneumonitis, suggesting
chemical damage, in the hilar region of the lungs. Examined microscopically,
the lung showed areas of collapse and emphysema adjacent to the areas of more
severe pneumonitis. The exposed rats were considered to have normal appearance
and organ weights, but gross and microscopic tissue examination showed pulmonary
changes indicating chemical irritation. The hilar regions of the lung were the
most affected and the injuries were manifested as pneumonitis. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.29-30 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
/Acute poisoning/ if sufficient fluoride is absorbed ... fluoride ion increases
capillary permeability and also produces a coagulation defect. These actions
lead to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and hemorrhages, congestion, and edema in
various organs including the brain.
Clinical manifestations ... include excitability, muscle tremors, weakness,
urination, defecation, salivation, emesis, sudden collapse, clonic convulsions,
coma, and death due to respiratory and cardiac failure. Cyanosis and early rigor
mortis. ... /Fluoride/ [Booth, N.H., L.E. McDonald (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and
Therapeutics. 5th ed. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 1982. 1014]**PEER
REVIEWED**
IN LAMBS, GI & PULMONARY DISORDERS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO RESULT FROM GRAZING
WHERE PASTURE SOILS ARE HIGH IN BORON CONTENT. /BORON AND ITS COMPOUNDS/ [Doull, J., C.D. Klaassen, and M. D. Amdur (eds.). Casarett and
Doull's Toxicology. 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1980. 440]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LC50 Rat (male) inhalation 387 (320-467) ppm/1 hr [Vernot EH et al; Toxicol and Appl Pharm 42: 417-23 (1977)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
LC50 Rat inhalation 1.21 mg/l/4 hr [Rusch GM et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 83 (1): 69-78 (1986)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
... /During inhalation exposures up to 6 mo at concn of 12.8 ppm, 3-4 ppm
& 1.5 ppm/ the avg fluorine content of rat teeth & bone was elevated
at all exposure levels but not in soft tissues analyzed, lung, liver & blood.
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2998]**PEER REVIEWED**
Following ingestion, soluble fluorides are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal
tract at least to the extent of 97%. Absorbed fluoride is distributed throughout
the tissues of the body by the blood. Fluoride concentrations in soft tissues
fall to pre-exposure levels within a few hours of exposure. Fluoride exchange
with hydroxyl radicals of hydroxyapatite (the inorganic constituent of bone)
to form fluorohydroxyapatite. Fluoride that is not retained is excreted rapidly
in urine. In adults under steady state intake conditions, the urinary concentration
of fluoride tends to approximate the concentration of fluoride in the drinking
water. This reflects the decreasing retention of fluoride (primarily in bone)
with increasing age. Under certain conditions perspiration may be an important
route of fluoride excretion. The concentration of fluoride retained in bones
and teeth is a function of both the concentration of fluoride intake and the
duration of exposure. Periods of excessive fluoride exposure will result in
increased retention in the bone. However, when the excessive exposure is eliminated,
the bone fluoride concentration will decrease to a concentration that is again
reflective of intake. /Fluoride/ [USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft):
Fluoride p.III-19 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Mechanism of Action:
INHIBITION OF ONE OR MORE ENZYMES CONTROLLING CELLULAR GLYCOLYSIS (& PERHAPS
RESP) MAY RESULT IN A CRITICAL LESION. ... BINDING OR PRECIPITATION OF CALCIUM
AS CALCIUM FLUORIDE ... SUGGESTED AS MECHANISM UNDERLYING MANY DIVERSE SIGNS
& SYMPTOMS IN FLUORIDE POISONING, PARTICULARLY IF DEATH IS DELAYED. ...
AT LEAST IN SOME SPECIES FLUORIDE INTERFERES WITH BOTH CONTRACTILE POWER OF
HEART AND THE MECHANISM OF BEAT IN A WAY THAT CANNOT BE ASCRIBED TO HYPOCALCEMIA.
/FLUORIDE/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-112]**PEER REVIEWED**
Pharmacology:
Drug Warnings:
Food and Environmental Agents: Effect on Breast-Feeding: Reported Sign or
Symptom in Infant or Effect on Lactation: Fluorides: None. /from Table 7/ [Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs
in Pediatrics 93 (1): 142 (1994)]**QC REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Inhalation of vapors or skin and eye contact. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH estimates 50,000 employees are potentially exposed ... in the United
States. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
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 seperation 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.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Employees with potential exposure to boron trifluoride include the initial
manufactures, magnesium founders, organic synthesizers, neutron detector instrument
manufactures and fumigant producers. [Milby TH et al; Occupaional Diseases-A Guide to Their Recognition,
Publication No. 1097 (1964) as cited in NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride
p.16 (1976) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Industrial exposures ... occur from release ... into the worker atmosphere
as well as from production & handling ... /Boron halides/ [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2996]**PEER REVIEWED**
Average Daily Intake:
Total daily boron intake in normal human diets ranges from 2.1-4.3 mg boron/kg
body weight (bw)/day. /Total boron/ [Zook Eg, Lehman J; J Assoc Off Agric Chem 48: 850-5 (1965)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Natural Pollution Sources:
High levels of boron are most likely to occur in soil derived from marine
sediments and arid soils. /Total boron/ [Brown, K.W., G. B. Evans, Jr., B.D. Frentrup (eds.). Hazardous
Waste Land Treatment. Boston, MA: Butterworth Publishers, 1983. 211]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
Some boron is adsorbed by iron and aluminum hydroxy compounds and clay minerals.
Finer textured soils retain added boron longer than do coarse, sandy soils.
... Boron sorption by clay minerals and iron and aluminum oxides is pH dependent,
with maximum sorption in the range 7-9. The amount of boron adsorbed depends
on the surface area of the clay or oxide and this sorption is only partially
reversible ... /Boron/ [Brown, K.W., G. B. Evans, Jr., B.D. Frentrup (eds.). Hazardous
Waste Land Treatment. Boston, MA: Butterworth Publishers, 1983. 211]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Water Concentrations:
Sea water: Boron is widely distributed in the environment ... 4.5 ug/g in
ocean waters ... /Total boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 130]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Surface water: Boron is widely distributed in the environment ... about 0.01
ug/g in freshwater. /Total boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 130]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Sediment/Soil Concentrations:
Boron is widely distributed in the environment ... concn average 3-10 ug/g
in soil ... /Total boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 130]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Atmospheric Concentrations:
An air sampling survey of 5 points throughout /a US manufacturing/ plant showed
boron trifluoride concn ranging from 0.27 to 0.69 ppm (0.75 to 1.9 mg/cu m)
during 24 hr period in May 1974, & from 0.1 to 1.8 ppm in another 24 hr
period in August 1974. [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2999]**PEER REVIEWED**
Food Survey Values:
Most foods contain less the 6 ug boron/g, with many ... less than 0.5 ug B/g.
Individual foods may contain more than 20 ug B/g. [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 130]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
Federal Drinking Water Guidelines:
EPA 600 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
State Drinking Water Guidelines:
(CA) CALIFORNIA 1000 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
(FL) FLORIDA 630 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
(ME) MAINE 620 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
(MN) MINNESOTA 600 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
(NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE 630 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
(WI) WISCONSIN 960 ug/l /Boron/ [USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis
Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (11/93)] **QC REVIEWED**
FDA Requirements:
Bottled water packaged in the USA to which no fluoride is added shall not
contain fluoride in excess of 1.8 mg/l at 63.9-70.6 deg F. Bottled water packaged
in the USA to which fluoride is added shall not contain fluoride in excess of
1.2 mg/l at 63.9-70.6 deg F. Imported bottled water to which no fluoride is
added and imported bottled water to which fluoride is added shall not contain
fluoride in excess of 1.4 mg/l and 0.8 mg/l, respectively. /Fluoride/ [21 CFR 103.35 (4/1/88)]**PEER REVIEWED**
COLORLESS GAS [The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc.,
1983. 187]**PEER REVIEWED**
Pungent odor [Note: Forms dense white fumes in moist air. Shipped as a nonliquefied
compressed gas]. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 94-116. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, June
1994. 32]**QC REVIEWED**
Pleasant & acidic (at 1.5 ppm) [Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial
Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley Sons, 1981-1982. 2998]**PEER REVIEWED**
Irritating [Ruth JH; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 47: A-142-51 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Pungent, suffocating odor. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 94-116. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, June
1994. 32]**QC REVIEWED**
Boiling Point:
-99.9 DEG C [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th
ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 513]**PEER REVIEWED**
Melting Point:
-126.8 DEG C [Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. D-192]**PEER REVIEWED**
Corrosivity:
Boron trifluoride will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 2]**PEER REVIEWED**
3.07666 G/L (GAS AT STP); 1.57 AT 4 DEG C (LIQ WITH BP OF -100.4 DEG C) [The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc.,
1983. 187]**PEER REVIEWED**
332 G/100 G WATER @ 0 DEG C [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 222]**QC
REVIEWED**
Sol in concn nitric acid, benzene, dichlorobenzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride,
carbon disulfide [ITII. Toxic and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual.
Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1982. 76]**PEER
REVIEWED**
1.94 g/100 g anhydrous sulfuric acid [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 222]**QC
REVIEWED**
Sol in most saturated & halogenated hydrocarbons & most aromatic cmpd
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 222]**QC
REVIEWED**
Surface Tension:
17.2 mN/m @ -100 Deg C [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.50 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Vapor Pressure:
10 mm & 40 mm Hg at -141.3 & -131.0 deg C (solid); 100 mm, 400 mm
& 760 mm Hg at -123.0, -108.3 & -110.7 deg C (liquid) [Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. D-192]**PEER REVIEWED**
Viscosity:
0.0171 m Pa.s (gas) @ 25 Deg C [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.50 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
FORMS COORDINATION COMPLEXES WITH MOLECULES HAVING AT LEAST 1 UNSHARED PAIR
ELECTRONS; FORMS SOLID COMPLEX WITH NITRIC ACID; POLYMERIZES UNSATURATED MOLECULES
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 222]**QC
REVIEWED**
Boron halides /are/ dominated by their Lewis acidity. ... Order of acidity
is boron triiodide equal to boron tribromide > boron trichloride > boron
trifluoride ... [Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes
1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 4(78) 129]**PEER REVIEWED**
Gaseous or liquid boron trifluoride does not react with mercury or chromium,
even at high pressures for long periods. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled. 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/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
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. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured
cylinders may rocket. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper
first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone
number listed on the inside back cover. Isolate spill or leak area immediately
for at least 100 to 200 meters (330 to 660 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/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended
by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural
firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for fire situations ONLY; it
is not effective in spill situations. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Evacuation: Spill: See the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action
Distances for highlighted substances. For non-highlighted substances, increase,
in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under
"PUBLIC SAFETY". Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical or CO2. Large fires: Water spray, fog or regular
foam. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. 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 hose
holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water
until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety
devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from
venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. Always stay away from the ends
of tanks. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: Fully encapsulating, vapor protective clothing should be worn
for spills and leaks with no fire. 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. Isolate area until
gas has dispersed. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial
respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if
victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with
the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory
medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate
contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw
frosted parts with lukewarm water. In case of contact with substance, immediately
flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim warm
and quiet. Keep victim under observation. Effects of contact or inhalation may
be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
and take precautions to protect themselves. /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-125]**QC REVIEWED**
Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances: Small Spills (from a small
package or small leak from a large package): First, ISOLATE in all Directions
60 meters (200 feet); then, PROTECT persons Downwind during DAY 0.2 kilometers
(0.1 miles) and NIGHT 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles). LARGE SPILLS (from a large
package or from many small packages): First, ISOLATE in all Directions 185 meters
(600 feet); then, PROTECT persons Downwind during DAY 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles)
and NIGHT 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles). /Boron trifluoride; Boron trifluoride,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. TABLE]**QC REVIEWED**
Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors,
dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns, or death. Reaction with water
or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with
water may generate much heat which will increase the concentration of fumes
in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff
from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause
pollution. /Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may
decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate
in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance will react
with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases. Reaction
with water may generate much heat which will increase the concentration of fumes
in the air. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers
may explode when heated or contaminated with water. /Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper
first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone
number listed on the inside back cover. Isolate spill or leak area immediately
for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized
personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.
/Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended
by the manufacturer. Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended
for fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations. /Boron trifluoride,
dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Evacuation: Spill: See the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action
Distances for highlighted substances. For non-highlighted substances, increase,
in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under
"PUBLIC SAFETY". Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire,
ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial
evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. /Boron trifluoride,
dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Fire: Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic
gases. Small fires: CO2 (except for Cyanides), dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant
foam. Large fires: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Move containers
from fire area if you can do it without risk. Do not use straight streams. Dike
fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Fire involving
tanks or car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned
hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers
with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately
in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
ALWAYS stay away from the ends of tanks. /Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks
or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must
be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing
appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A
vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE
CONTAINERS. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Prevent
entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Small spills: Cover
with DRY earth, DRY sand, or other non-combustible material followed with plastic
sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean non-sparking tools
to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for
later disposal. /Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial
respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if
victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with
the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory
medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate
contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately
flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin
contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet.
Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may
be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
and take precautions to protect themselves. /Boron trifluoride, dihydrate/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-157]**QC REVIEWED**
Odor Threshold:
Odor low 4.50 mg/cu m; Odor high 4.50 mg/cu m [Ruth JH; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 47: A-142-51 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
Extremely irritating to eyes & respiratory tract. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
The gas is very irritating to the skin. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.12 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fire Potential:
Nonflammable [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
NFPA Hazard Classification:
HEALTH: 3. 3= Materials extremely hazardous to health, but areas may be entered
with extreme care. Full protective clothing, incl self-contained breathing apparatus,
rubber gloves, boots & bands around legs, arms & waist should be provided.
No skin surface should be exposed. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
FLAMMABILITY: 0. 0= Materials that will not burn. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
REACTIVITY: 1. 1= Materials which in themselves are normally stable but which
may become unstable at elevated temperatures & pressures or which may react
with water with some release of energy but not violently. Caution must be used
in approaching the fire & applying water. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Do not apply water directly to leaks from cylinders because it will increase
the rate of evaporation. A fog type spray may be used to react with & help
eliminate the gas & particulates. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
Toxic Combustion Products:
WHEN HEATED TO DECOMP ... WILL PRODUCE TOXIC & CORROSIVE FUMES OF /HYDROGEN
FLUORIDE/. [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th
ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 513]**PEER REVIEWED**
Firefighting Hazards:
... Particulates in fume may reduce visibility when large volume of gas escapes.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
Explosive Limits & Potential:
Certain chemicals, if drawn back into a boron trifluoride cylinder, can build
up tremendous pressure that may cause the cylinder to burst. [National Research Council. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1981. 92]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with alkali metals
or alkaline earth metals, except magnesium. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 491M-12]**PEER REVIEWED**
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. [Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 3rd ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1985. 1437]**PEER REVIEWED**
The reaction of calcium oxide and boron trifluoride forms a fused mass after
warming. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 491M-45]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fumes strongly in moist air to form /hydrogen fluoride/ and boric acids ...
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
... upon contact with water or steam, will produce toxic and corrosive fumes
of /hydrogen fluoride/. [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th
ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 513]**PEER REVIEWED**
With anhydrous calcium oxide or magnesium oxide, the metal fluoride and the
volatile boron oxyfluoride are formed. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Aluminum chloride or aluminum bromide react with boron trifluoride when gently
heated to yield boron halide and aluminum fluoride. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boron trifluoride, (electrophilic), acts as an acid catalyst for esterification,
nitrations, oxidations, reductions, and halogenations. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Alkali and alkaline earth metals reduce boron trifluoride to elemental boron
and the metal fluoride. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boron trifluoride reacts with slaked lime; calcium borate and fluoroborate
are formed with evolution of heat. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mono- and di- hydroxyflouroboric acids are formed very rapidly when boron
trifluoride contacts water contained in a vessel. [Wamser CA; J Am Chem Soc 73: 409-16 (1951) as cited in NIOSH;
Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.16 (1976) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER
REVIEWED**
INTERACTION OF ... /HEXAFLUORISOPROPYLIDENEAMINOLITHIUM/ WITH A RANGE OF CHLORO-
AND FLUORO-DERIVATIVES OF BORON ... DURING WARMING TO 25 DEG C TENDED TO BE
VIOLENTLY EXOTHERMIC IN ABSENCE OF SOLVENT. [Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 3rd ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1985. 329]**PEER REVIEWED**
The trihalides react with water, lower alcohols, hydrogen sulfide, alkyl mercaptans,
ammonia, primary and secondary amines, phosphine, and arsine, liberating hydrogen
halide in each case. /Boron trihalides/ [Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes
1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 4(78) 130]**PEER REVIEWED**
The boron halides react violently with ammonia. /Boron halides/ [Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 3rd ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1985. 1178]**PEER REVIEWED**
BORON HALIDES REACT VIOLENTLY WITH WATER, AND, PARTICULARLY IF THERE IS A
DEFICIENCY OF WATER, A VIOLENT EXPLOSION MAY RESULT. /BORON HALIDES/ [Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 3rd ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1985. 57]**PEER REVIEWED**
Boron halides are reduced by active metals, metal hydrides, and hydrogen.
Reaction with the alkali and alkaline earth metals at elevated temperature yields
elemental boron and the metal halide. /Boron halides/ [Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes
1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 4(78) 131]**PEER REVIEWED**
Alkali metals, calcium oxide [Note: Hydrolyzes in moist air or hot water to
form boric acid, hydrogen fluoride & fluoboric acid]. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Hazardous Decomposition:
WHEN HEATED TO DECOMP ... WILL PRODUCE ... FUMES OF /HYDROGEN FLUORIDE/. /BORON
FLUORIDE/ [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th
ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 513]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE TOXIC ACTION OF THE HALOGENATED BORONS IS CONSIDERABLY INFLUENCED BY THEIR
DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS (HYDROFLUORIC ACID-, FLUOBORIC ACID-, HYDROCHLORIC ACID-).
/HALOGENATED BORONS/ [International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health
and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office,
1983. 321]**PEER REVIEWED**
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
25 ppm [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
Air supplied respirators should only be used in certain non-routine ... or
emergency situations when air concn of boron trifluoride are sufficient to form
visible mist. Proper impervious protective clothing incl gloves, aprons, suits,
boots, goggles, and face shields ... as needed to prevent skin and eye contact
... [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 142]**PEER REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 10 ppm. Respirator
Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator. May require eye protection. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 25 ppm. Respirator
Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow mode. May
require eye protection. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.
Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned
entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained
breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand
or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full
facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated
in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly
occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece
respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing
protection against the compound of concern. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained
breathing apparatus. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Preventive Measures:
Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical. [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is
conflicting. The benefit 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. **PEER REVIEWED**
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. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.53 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.61 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
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. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.9 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner
so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose,
or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the
cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective
clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should
not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of
work for cleaning. **PEER REVIEWED**
In contact with atmosphere, the gas forms dense white fumes. Even after cylinder
valve has been tightly closed, the fumes will linger around the outlet for as
long as 0.5 hr. This frequently causes the user to believe that the valve itself
is leaking. In addn, the gas is inherently difficult to control through valves
& piping, & even the best equipment is apt to show slight signs of leaking,
which will make an abundance of fumes. It is essential when using boron trifluoride
to have a trap in the delivery tube to prevent impurities from being sucked
back into the cylinder. ... Every boron trifluoride valve is equipped with a
device consisting of a platinum disc in back of a plug containing a metal that
will melt at approx 70 deg C. Frequently, a similar safety device is inserted
in the base of the cylinder. [National Research Council. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1981. 92]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Stability/Shelf Life:
Boron trifluoride ... is stable in dry atmospheres. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.13 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
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)./ [49 CFR 171.2 (7/1/96)]**QC REVIEWED**
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. [IATA. Dangerous Goods Regulations. 38th ed. Montreal, Canada
and Geneva, Switzerland: International Air Transport Association, Dangerous
Goods Board, January, 1997. 110]**QC REVIEWED**
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. [IMDG; International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; International
Maritime Organization p.2021 (1988)]**QC REVIEWED**
Storage Conditions:
PROTECT CYLINDERS AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE. STORE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA
IN A NONCOMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURE. [National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide
on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
1986.,p. 49-21]**PEER REVIEWED**
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. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.61 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Cleanup Methods:
1) Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. 2) Stop flow of gas. If source
of leak is cylinder & leak cannot be stopped in place, remove ... to safe
place in open air, & repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. [Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary
landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing
land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. **PEER REVIEWED**
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. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 142]**PEER REVIEWED**
Ceiling Limit 1 ppm [American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold
Limit Values (TLVs) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents Biological Exposure
Indices for 1998. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1998. 20]**QC REVIEWED**
NIOSH Recommendations:
Recommended Exposure Limit: (15 Min) Ceiling value: 1 ppm (3 mg/cu m). [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:
25 ppm [NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.
32]**QC REVIEWED**
Other Occupational Permissible Levels:
USSR (1972): 0.35 ppm; Germany and Finland TLV 1 ppm [American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation
of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 5th ed. Cincinnati,
OH:American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1986. 63]**PEER
REVIEWED**
The Soviet Union had adopted 1 mg/cu m (0.36 ppm) as a maximum allowable concentration
(MAC). The standard of the Federal Republic of Germany is a Maximum Worksite
Concentration limit of 3 mg/cu m (1.08 ppm) as a TWA concentration limit. [NIOSH; Criteria Document: Boron trifluoride p.55 (1976) DHEW
Pub. NIOSH 77-122]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG): ERPG(1) 2 mg/cu m (no more
than mild, transient effects) for up to 1 hr exposure; ERPG(2) 30 mg/cu m (without
serious, adverse effects) for up to 1 hr exposure; ERPG(3) 100 mg/cu m (not
life threatening) up to 1 hr exposure. [American Industrial Hygiene Association. The AIHA 1999 Emergency
Response Planning Guidelines and Workplace Environmental Exposure Level Guides
Handbook.American Industrial Hygiene Association. Fairfax, VA 1999. 25]**QC
REVIEWED**
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
AS A FUMIGANT; IN IONIZATION CHAMBERS
FOR DETECTION OF WEAK NEUTRONS; TO PROTECT MOLTEN MAGNESIUM AND ITS ALLOYS FROM
OXIDATION; AS A FLUX FOR SOLDERING MAGNESIUM [The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc.,
1983. 187]**PEER REVIEWED**
CATALYST IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS, PRODUCTION OF DIBORANE; GAS BRAZING, A PERMANENT
METHOD OF JOINING METALS THAT INVOLVES A FILLER METAL OR ALLOY AT OR > 430
DEG C [Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical
Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
BORON-10 ENRICHMENT; PRODUCTION OF NEUTRON ABSORBING SALTS FOR MOLTEN-SALT
BREEDER REACTORS; MAGNESIUM INDUSTRY USES THE FIRE RETARDANT AND ANTI-OXIDANT
PROPERTIES IN CASTING & HEAT TREATING [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
USED BY ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY FOR: TREATING OF SEPARATORS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL
HIGH TEMPERATURE CELLS; PREPARING HIGH BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE VARISTORS; ENHANCING
SURFACE CONDUCTIVITY OF PERYLENE [BEEKER K ET AL; GMELIN HANDBOOK OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, 8TH
ED, (1982) 2ND SUPPLEMENT V2 p.77]**PEER REVIEWED**
Used as a catalyst in the Friedel-Crafts type reaction, in the synthesis of
saturated hydrocarbons, olefins, alcohols, thiols, ketones, and ethers, in the
cracking of hydrocarbons, and in the Beckman, Fries and benzidine rearrangements
... used in the preparation of boranes. [Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.50 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boron trifluoride is used ... as a catalyst in operations such as isomerization,
alkylation, polymerization, esterification, condensation, cyclization, hydration,
sulfonation, desulfurization, nitration, halogenation, oxidation and acylation.
[Braker W, Mossman A; Matheson Gas Data Book 6th Ed p.50 (1980)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
BORON TRIFLUORIDE MAY BE USED AS A CATALYST /IN THE MANUFACTURE OF POLY-VINYL
ETHERS FOR USE IN FOODSTUFF PACKAGING/. IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT, THE CONTENT
OF DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS OF THE CATALYST MUST NOT EXCEED 0.04% OF BORON &
0.3% OF FLUORINE. [Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC
Press Inc., 1968. 524]**PEER REVIEWED**
Manufacturers:
Allied-Signal Inc, Hq, Columbia Road and
Park Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960, (201) 455-2000; Engineered materials Sector;
Production site: Route 13, Claymont, DE 19703 (Delaware Valley Works) [SRI. 1989 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of
America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1989. 489]**QC REVIEWED**
Pennwalt Corporation, Hq, Pennwalt Building,
Three Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 587-7000; Chemical
Group; Subsidiary: Ozark-Mahoning Company, 1870 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa,
OK 74119, (918) 585-2661 [SRI. 1989 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of
America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1989. 489]**QC REVIEWED**
Methods of Manufacturing:
REACTION OF BORAX WITH HYDROFLUORIC AND FUMING SULFURIC ACIDS [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
Reaction of boric acid & ammonium bifluoride. The complex formed is then
treated with cold fuming sulfuric acid. [Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical
Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
OBTAINED WHEN BORON BURNS IN FLUORINE; USUALLY PREPARED BY HEATING A FLUOROBORATE
WITH BORIC OXIDE AND CONCENTRATED SULFURIC ACID [HASZELDINE RN, SHARPE AG; FLUORINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS (1952)
p.32]**PEER REVIEWED**
BORON TRIFLUORIDE IS OBSERVED (BESIDE OTHER PRODUCTS) IN A PULSED CO-LASER
INITIATED REACTION BETWEEN CARBON TRICHLORIDE AND SILCON TETRAFLUORIDE, AND
THE REACTION OF MF6(M= MO,W,RE,OS,U) WITH B2O [BECKER K ET AL; GMELIN HANDBOOK OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, 8TH
ED (1982) 2ND SUPPLEMENT V2 p.3]**PEER REVIEWED**
TREATMENT OF BORIC ACID WITH FLUOROSULFONIC ACID [RUDGE AJ; THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF FLUORINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS
(1962) p.47]**PEER REVIEWED**
General Manufacturing Information:
PREPN: SWINEHART, US PATENT 2,148,514, 2,196,907 (1939, 1940 TO HARSHAW CHEM);
BOOTH, WILSON, INORG SYN 1: 21 (1939); KWASNIK IN BRAUER, ED (ACADEMIC PRESS,
NY, 2ND ED, 1963) PP 219-222; WIESBOECK, US PAT 3,690,821 (1972 TO US STEEL).
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc.,
1983. 187]**PEER REVIEWED**
LAB PREP: DECOMPOSITION OF A DIAZONIUM FLUOROBORATE AND THE FLUORINATION OF
BORON TRICHLORIDE WITH ANTIMONY TRIFLUORIDE [HASZELDINE RN, SHARPE AG; FLUORINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS P.32 (1952)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
Grades: Pure (99% min) [Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical
Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
10% BORON TRIFLUORIDE IN METHANOL [Fluka; Catalog 14, Chemicals and Biochemicals p.192 (1984)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Principal uses for boron compounds consumed in the United States in 1988 were
estimated to be glass products, 56%; soaps and detergents, 6%; agriculture,
4%; and other, 34% /Boron compounds/ [BUREAU OF MINES. MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 1989 P.28]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Laboratory Methods:
Clinical Laboratory Methods:
MATRIX: URINE: PROCEDURE: ION SPECIFIC ELECTRODE; RANGE: LOWER LIMIT URINE
0.19 MG/L. /TOTAL FLUORIDE/ [U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health
Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
Health. NIOSH Manual ofAnalytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.,p. V1 114-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
Analyte: Fluoride ion (F-); Matrix: urine; Procedure: Ion selective electrode;
Quality control: spike urine pools, correct for creatinine content; Range: 1-100
mg/l urine; Precision: 0.04 /Fluoride/ [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health. NIOSHManual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with
1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
February 1984.,p. V1 8308-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
CHARGED PARTICLE ACTIVATION TECHNIQUE IS USEFUL IN NONDESTRUCTIVELY DETERMINING
CONCN PROFILES OF F- IN EXTRACTED TEETH. /FLUORIDE/ [RAJAN KS ET AL; J DENT RES 55 (4): 671 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**
NIOSH 8308: Analyte: fluoride ion (F-); Specimen: urine, pre- and post-shift;
Vol: 50 ml in chemically clean polyethylene bottles; Preservative: 0.2 g EDTA
added to bottles before collection; Stability: 2 wk @ 4 deg C, longer if frozen;
Technique: ion selective electrode; Quality control: spike urine pools, correct
for creatinine content; Range: 1-100 mg/l urine; Est LOD: 0.1 mg/l urine; Precision(Sr):
0.04; Interferences: Hydroxide, the only positive interference, is eliminated
by use of the buffer /Fluoride/ [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health. NIOSHManual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with
1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
February 1984.,p. V1 8308-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
Spectrophotometric methods include atomic absorption, flame emission, spark
or arc emission, and ICAPES. ... Are capable of determining microgram or submicrogram
quantities. A neutron activation technique using solid-state tract detectors
... to determine boron in biological material at levels below 0.1 ug/ml in 0.5
ul aliquots. /Boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 137]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Fluids may often be analyzed directly by inductively coupled plasma-atomic
emission spectrometry. Many products require ashing with a fixative to remove
organic material and to convert boron compounds to the borate form. ... The
most frequently used extractant for both original or ashed materials is 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol
in methylisobutyl ketone solvent. /Boron cmpd/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 137]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boron is detectable in urine and sometimes in cerebrospinal fluid by the turmeric
paper test (Boggs and Anrode, 1955), but quantitative techniques have been used
to measure boron in blood. /Borate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-68]**PEER REVIEWED**
Plasma atomic emission spectrometry detection limit 0.001 mg boron/l; 0.012
mg boron/l (in urine). /Boron/ [Nat'l Research Council Canada; Data Sheets On Selected Toxic
Elements, p. 23 (1982) NRCC No. 19252]**PEER REVIEWED**
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
Determination in air: ... by colorimetric analysis. [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
Method 413B: Electrode Method. This method is suitable for fluoride concn
from 0.1 to more than 10 mg/l. The fluoride electrode is a selective ion sensor.
The key element in the fluoride electrode is the laser-type doped lanthanum
fluoride crystal across which a potential is established by fluoride soln of
different concn. The crystal contacts the sample soln at one face and an internal
reference soln at the other. The fluoride electrode measures the ion activity
of fluoride in soln rather than concn. Fluoride ion activity depends on the
soln total ionic strength and pH, and on fluoride complexing species. Adding
an appropriate buffer provides a uniform ionic strength background, adjusts
pH, and breaks up complexes so that, in effect, the electrode measures concn.
A synthetic sample containing 0.850 mg fluoride ion/l in distilled water was
analyzed in 111 laboratories with relative standard deviation of 3.6% and relative
error of 0.7%. /Total fluoride/ [Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater p.357-9 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Method 413C: SPADNS Method. This method is suitable only for concn in the
range of 0.05 to 1.4 mg/l. /This is a colorimetric method based on the color
developed upon addition of SPADNS solution and zirconyl acid reagent to fluoride
containing sample/. The reaction rate between fluoride and zirconium ion is
influenced greatly by the acidity of the reaction mixture. If the proportion
of acid in the reagent is incr, the reaction can be made almost instantaneous.
Under such conditions, however, the effect of various ions differs from that
in the conventional alizarin method. The selection of dye for this rapid fluoride
method is governed largely by the resulting tolerance to these ions. A synthetic
sample containing 0.830 mg fluoride ion/l and no interference in distilled water
was analyzed in 53 laboratories with a relative standard deviation of 8.0% and
a relative error of 1.2%. After direct distillation of the sample, the relative
standard deviation was 11.0% and the relative error 2.4%. /Total fluoride/ [Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for Examination of Water and
Wastewater p.359-61 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Method 413E: Complexone Method. This method is applicable to potable, surface,
and saline waters as well as domestic and industrial wastewaters. The range
of the method, which can be modified by using the adjustable colorimeter, is
0.1 to 2.0 mg fluoride/l. The sample is distilled and the distillate is reacted
with alizarin fluorine blue-lanthanum reagent to form a blue complex that is
measured colorimetrically at 620 nm. In a single laboratory, four samples of
natural water containing from 0.40 to 0.82 mg fluoride/l were analyzed in septuplicate.
Average precision was + or - 0.03 mg fluoride/l. To two of the samples, additions
of 0.20 and 0.80 mg fluoride/l were made. Average recovery of the additions
was 98%. /Total fluoride/ [Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater p.362 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
MATRIX: AIR; PROCEDURE: ION SPECIFIC ELECTRODE; RANGE: 0.05 TO 475 MG/CU M
FLUORIDE. /TOTAL FLUORIDE/ [U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health
Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
Health. NIOSH Manual ofAnalytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.,p. V1 117-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
EPA Method 340.3 is an automated complexone colorimetric method for the determination
of fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and domestic and industrial
wastes. The applicable range is 0.05 to 1.5 mg/l fluoride. For total or total
dissolved fluoride, the Bellack Distillation must be performed on the samples
prior to analysis. In a single laboratory using surface water samples concentrations
of 0.06, 0.15, and 1.08 mg/l fluoride the standard deviation was + or - 0.018,
and at concentrations of 0.14 and 1.25 mg/l fluoride, recoveries were 89% and
102% respectively. /Fluoride/ [USEPA; Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes p.340.3
(1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EPA Method 340.1 is a colorimetric method using sodium 2-(parasulfophenylazo)-
1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulfonate with Bellack distillation for the
measurement of total fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and domestic
and industrial wastes. It covers a range from 0.1 to about 1.4 mg/l fluoride.
On samples containing 0.57, 0.68, and 0.83 mg/l fluoride, the mean obtained
was 0.60, 0.72, and 0.81, respectively with a standard deviation of + or - 0.103,
+ or - 0.092, and + or - 0.089 mg/l respectively. /Total fluoride/ [USEPA; Methods of Chemical Analysis or Water and Wastes p.340.1
(1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EPA Method 340.2 is a potentiometric method using an ion selective electrode
for the measurement of fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and
domestic and industrial wastes. Concentration of fluoride from 0.1 up to 1000
mg/l may be measured. For total or total dissolved fluoride, the Bellack distillation
is required for National Pollutent Discharge Elimination System monitoring,
but is not required for Safe Drinking Water Act. A synthetic sample prepared
by the Analytical Reference Service containing 0.85 mg/l fluoride and no interferences
had a mean of 0.84 mg/l with a standard deviation of + or - 0.03. A synthetic
sample containing 0.75 mg/l fluoride, 2.5 mg/l polyphosphate and 300 mg/l alkalinity
had a mean of 0.75 mg/l fluoride with a standard deviation of + or - 0.036.
/Fluoride/ [USEPA; Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes p.340.2
(1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Characteristic flame test ... can identify boron at levels as low as 0.2 ug
in material adhering to a platinum wire loop. At least 26 colorimetric and 4
fluorescent reagents are known for qualitative identification ... with sensitivities
of < 1 ug/ml and 0.04 ug (absolute), respectively. /Boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 137]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Spectrophotometric methods include atomic absorption, flame emission, spark
or arc emission, and ICAPES. ... Are capable of determining microgram or submicrogram
quantities. A neutron activation technique using solid-state tract detectors
... to determine boron in biological material at levels below 0.1 ug/ml in 0.5
ul aliquots. /Boron/ [Seiler, H.G., H. Sigel and A. Sigel (eds.). Handbook on the
Toxicity of Inorganic Compounds. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1988. 137]**PEER
REVIEWED**
EPA Method 200.7: An Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrophotmetric
method for the determination of dissolved, suspended, or total elements in drinking
water, surface water, and domestic and industrial wastewaters, is described.
Boron is analyzed at a wavelength of 249.773 nanometers and has an estimated
detection limit of 5.0 ug/l. /Total boron/ [40 CFR 136 (7/1/88)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The curcumin method is applicable for the determination of boron concentrations
in the 0.10 to 1.0 mg/l range. When a sample of water containing boron is acidified
and evaporated in the presence of circumin, a red colored product called rosocyanine
is formed. The rosocyanin is taken up in a suitable solvent and the red color
is compared with standards visually or photometrically. A synthetic sample contaning
240 ug boron/l, 40 ug arsenic/l, 250 mg beryllium/l, 20 ug selenium/l, and 6
ug vanadium/l in distilled water was analyzed in 30 laboratories by the curcumin
method with a relative standard deviation of 22.8% and a relative error of 0%.
/Total boron/ [Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater p.274-6 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The carmine method is suitable for the determination of boron concn in the
1 to 10 mg/l range. In the presence of boron, a soln of carmine or carminic
acid in concn sulfuric acid changes from a bright red to a bluish red or blue,
depending on the concn of boron present. The ions commonly found in water and
wastewater do not interfere with this method. A synthetic sample containing
180 ug boron/l, 50 ug arsenic/l, 400 ug beryllium/l, and 50 ug selenium/l in
distilled water was analyzed in nine laboratories by the carmine method with
a relative standard deviation of 35.5% and a relative error of 0.6%. /Total
boron/ [Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater p.276-7 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Method 305: Emission spectroscopy for the determination of boron in water
and wastewater samples using an inductively coupled plasma source. The exact
choice of emission line is related to sample matrix and instrumentation. A typically
used emission line for boron in water is a wavelength of 249.8 nm, with an expected
detection limit of 5.0 ug/l. /Total boron (from table)/ [Franson MA (Ed): Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater p.181 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Sampling Procedures:
Determination in air: Collection by an impinger preceded by a filter ... [Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens,
1985. 2nd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data Corporation, 1985. 141]**PEER REVIEWED**
Measurements to determine employee ceiling exposure are best taken during
periods of maximum expected airborne concentrations of boron trifluoride. Each
measurement should consist of a fifteen (15) minute sample or series of consecutive
samples totalling fifteen minutes in the employee's breathing zone (air that
would most nearly represent that inhaled by the employee). [Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.).
NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH)
PublicationNo. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
Jan. 1981. 2]**PEER REVIEWED**
Analyte: Fluoride ion (F-); Specimen: urine, pre- and post- shift; Vol: 50
ml in chemically clean polyethylene bottles; Preservative: 0.2 g EDTA added
to bottles before collection; Stability: 2 wks @ 4 deg C, longer if frozen;
Controls: collect 3 sets of specimens from unexposed workers pre- and post-shift
/Total fluoride/ [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health. NIOSHManual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with
1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office,
February 1984.,p. V1 8308-1]**PEER REVIEWED**
Grades: Pure (99% min) [Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical
Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
10% BORON TRIFLUORIDE IN METHANOL [Fluka; Catalog 14, Chemicals and Biochemicals p.192 (1984)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Field Update on 08/08/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
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