Safety Information

All personnel involved with and responsible for handling Boron Trifluoride should be familiar with the appropriate safety and handling precautions. Such information is provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS for Boron Trifluoride and BF₃ complexes are available for download in the utility box to the right of this page.

Boron Trifluoride is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and may cause thermal or chemical burns. The burns, which can be severe, are not related to fluoride ion as with HF exposure, but are caused by the formation of the strong acid, Fluoroboric Acid upon reaction of BF₃ with moisture on the skin.

Breathing of BF₃ gas is highly suffocating and irritating to the respiratory system. Prolonged breathing of vapors may result in acute toxic effects including death. The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) established by the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH) is 1 ppm (ceiling). If the TLV is exceeded even briefly, proper respiratory protection (full face respirator with supplied or self contained air) should be provided. Acid mist respirators are effective protection from exposure to nuisance levels of BF₃. If gas is inhaled, move the person to fresh air, provide oxygen and apply artificial respiration if necessary. Get medical attention without delay. Brief contact or exposure to a strong gas concentration of short duration can produce irritation or burning of the skin or eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention (see the downloadable document Medical Treatment below.

For normal handling, chemical goggles and acid resistant gloves should be worn. Full acid resistant protective clothing should be worn when there is a possibility of skin contact. As Boron Trifluoride is extremely hygroscopic, substances which contain water will attract BF₃. For example, food, tobacco, and beverages will absorb and retain BF₃, so their usage should be prohibited in a BF₃ designated area.

BF₃ Complexes

Anyone responsible for the procurement, transport, use or disposal of BF₃ complexes should familiarize themselves and those that handle these products with the appropriate safety and handling precautions. Such information is provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS for Boron Trifluoride and BF₃ complexes are available for download in the utility box to the right of this page.

Technical Service Program

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