September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Boron trifluoride

Synonyms & Trade Names
Boron fluoride, Trifluoroborane
CAS No.
7637-07-2
RTECS No.
ED2275000
DOT ID & Guide
1008 125
Formula
BF3
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.77 mg/m3
IDLH
25 ppm
See: 7637072
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
: C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
Measurement Methods

None available
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Forms dense white fumes in moist air. Shipped as a nonliquefied compressed gas.]
MW:
67.8
BP:
-148°F
FRZ:
-196°F
Sol:
106% (in cold H2O)
VP:
>50 atm
IP:
15.50 eV
Fl.P:
NA
UEL:
NA
LEL:
NA
RGasD:
2.38
Nonflammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Alkali metals, calcium oxide [Note: Hydrolyzes in moist air or hot water to form boric acid, hydrogen fluoride & fluoboric acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory system; epistaxis (nosebleed); eye, skin burns; in animals: pneumonitis; kidney damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 10 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 25 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) 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 positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) 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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0231