ToxFAQs™ for Diborane
Spanish: Diborano
CAS#: 19287-45-7
PDF Versionpdf icon[137 KB]
This fact sheet answers the most frequently
asked health questions about diborane. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
Highlights
Diborane is a manufactured, toxic, flammable gas. Exposure can occur primarily during manufacture or use in industry. The general population is not exposed to diborane. Exposure to diborane can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory airway. It can also cause skin irritation. This substance has been found in at least 3 of the 1,585 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is diborane?
Diborane is a colorless gas at room temperature
with a repulsive, sweet odor. It mixes well with air and easily
forms explosive mixtures. Diborane will ignite spontaneously
in moist air at room temperature.
Diborane is used in rocket propellants,
as a reducing agent, as a rubber vulcanizer, as a catalyst
for hydrocarbon polymerization, as a flame-speed accelerator,
and as a doping agent. It is also used in electronics to impart
electrical properties in pure crystals.
What happens to diborane when it enters the environment?
- Diborane is a gas that can spontaneously burn or explode
in air at normal room temperatures.
- Most formaldehyde in the air breaks down during the day.
- Diborane is slightly soluble in water, but it will decompose
rapidly when in contact with water producing boric acid
and hydrogen gas which is very flammable.
- Diborane is a gas that is not found in soil. If released
to soil it is likely that it would react violently and spontaneously
combust.
- Diborane does not accumulate in the food chain.
How might I be exposed to diborane?
- Diborane is a very dangerous gas that is only used in
chemical laboratories by experienced professionals. The
general population will not be exposed to diborane.
- Diborane is a very toxic, flammable, gas used by chemists
to make other compounds. Workers employed in occupations
that manufacture or use diborane may be exposed to this
compound by breathing in its vapors.
How can diborane affect my health?
The toxic effects of diborane are primarily
due to its irritant properties. Short-term exposure to diborane
can cause a sensation of tightness of the chest, shortness
of breath, cough, and wheezing. These signs and symptoms can
occur immediately or be delayed for up to 24 hours. Skin and
eye irritation can also occur. Studies in animals have shown
that diborane causes the same type of effects observed in
humans.
People exposed for a long time to low
amounts of diborane have experienced respiratory irritation,
seizures, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, and occasional transient
tremors.
There is no information to determine
whether exposure to diborane affects the reproductive system
in humans or in animals.
How likely is diborane to cause cancer?
There are no studies of carcinogenicity
of diborane in humans or in animals. The Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified diborane
as to its carcinogenicity.
How does diborane affect children?
There are no studies on the health effects
of children exposed to diborane. Although exposure of children
to diborane is unlikely, it is reasonable to assume that it
will cause health effects similar to those seen in adults.
We do not know if exposure to diborane will result in birth defects or other developmental effects
in people.
How can families reduce the risk of exposure to diborane?
It is unlikely that the general population will be exposed to diborane.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to diborane?
There are no tests for measuring diborane
levels in the body. If you suspect that you have been exposed
to diborane, a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests may
be appropriate to determine if your lungs have been damaged.
These tests are usually not available in the doctor's office,
but can be done in a hospital or clinic.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) sets a limit for diborane in workplace air of 0.1 parts
of diborane per million parts of air (0.1 ppm) for an 8-hour
workday, 40-hour work week.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 2002. Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents.
Volume III ā Medical Management Guidelines for Acute
Chemical Exposures: Diborane. Atlanta,
GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Office of Innovation and Analytics, Toxicology Section
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341-3717
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO 888-232-6348 (TTY)
Email: Contact CDC-INFO
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.