Borax is a noncombustible (an inherent
fire retardant), bluish-gray or green, odorless crystalline
powder or granules.
Borax is used as a soldering flux,
preservative against wood fungus; and as an antiseptic.
Used in ant poisons, for fly control around refuse and
manure piles, as a larvicide. It is used in the manufacture
of enamels and glazes, fiberglass insulation; sodium perborate
bleach; in tanning, cleaning compounds; for fireproofing
fabrics and wood; and in artificial aging of
wood.
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9—Miscellaneous
hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
Dissolves in water forming a basic solution.
Boron dust may form explosive mixture with air.
Contact with strong oxidizers may be violent. Boron is
incompatible with ammonia, bromine tetrafluoride, cesium
carbide, chlorine, fluorine, interhalogens, iodic acid, lead
dioxide, nitric acid, nitric oxide, nitrosyl fluoride, nitrous
oxide, potassium nitrite, rubidium carbide, silver fluoride.
Borax, dehydrated: The material
is diluted to the recommended provisional limit
(0.10 mg/L) in water. The pH is adjusted to between 6.5
and 9.1 and then the material can be discharged into sewers
or natural streams.
