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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.