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Boron Trifluoride
- Emergency First Aid Treatment Guide. US EPA.
Downloaded September
25, 2003 from http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/CeppoEHS.nsf/firstaid/7637-07-2?OpenDocument
US
EPA Chemical Emergency Preparedness
and Prevention
Emergency
First Aid Treatment Guide
BORON TRIFLUORIDE
7637-07-2
This guide should not be construed to authorize emergency personnel to
perform the procedures or activities indicated or implied. Care of persons
exposed to toxic chemicals must be directed by a physician or other recognized
authority.
SUBSTANCE CHARACTERISTICS:
Pure Form:
|
Colorless
gas. |
Odor:
|
Pungent,
suffocating. |
Commercial Forms:
|
Gas shipped
in pressure cylinders or tank vehicles. |
Use:
|
Catalyst
in organic synthesis, manufacture of boranes, soldering flux, gas brazing,
oxidation protectant, fumigant, polymerizer
of epoxy resins, casting and heat treating in magnesium industry. |
Other Names:
|
ANCA 1040,
trifluoroborane, trifluoroboron. |
Personal Protective
Equipment:
|
See Chemical
Profile Section VIII. |
EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED:
Compressed oxygen,
forced-oxygen mask, soap, water, normal saline, D5W, Ringer's lactate.
BORON TRIFLUORIDE
|
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Warning: Boron trifluoride
is extremely corrosive. Caution is advised. Acute inhalation exposure
of boron trifluoride may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis,
and respiratory tract irritation. Bleeding of the nose and gums, ulceration
of the nasal and oral mucosa, bronchitis, pneumonia, dyspnea (shortness
of breath), chest pain, and pulmonary edema may also occur. If the eyes
have come in contact with boron trifluoride, irritation, pain, swelling,
corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result
in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), severe burns, and pain.
|
EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT PROCEDURES:
Acute exposure to
boron trifluoride may require decontamination and life support for the
victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate
to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air
respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles
should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic
bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
|
INHALATION EXPOSURE:
1. Move victims
to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to boron
trifluoride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note
any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing,
provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer
oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital
for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.
|
DERMAL/EYE EXPOSURE:
1. Remove victims
from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to boron
trifluoride. BORON TRIFLUORIDE
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note
any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing,
provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer
oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm
water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital
for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.
|
INGESTION EXPOSURE:
1. Evaluate vital
signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If
no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial
respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory
support. Humidified oxygen is preferred.
2. IMMEDIATELY give the victims milk or water to dilute the hydrofluoric
acid: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children
1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or
1 cup). Milk or water should be given only if victims are conscious
and alert.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Milk of Magnesia should be administered if victims are conscious
and alert. Use 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) for children up to 1 year old, 5 mL
(1 tsp) for children 1 to 12 years old, and 10 mL (2 tsp) for adults.
Do not exceed 15 mL (3 tsp or 1 tbsp).
5. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital
for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
6. Activated charcoal is of no value.
7. Repeat the administration of water or milk to conscious and alert
victims. Use quantities listed above (see No. 2).
8. Transport to a health care facility.
|