Ingestion of small amounts of HF can lead to rapid systemic poisoning … Poisoning by Hydrofluoric Acid. The toxicity that can result from exposure and inhalation from hydrofluoric acid can vary depending on the type of exposure and how much concentration is present in the environment. It is used in the aluminum industry, for the production of silicate glass, etching silicon. Hydrogen fluoride readily dissolves in water to form colorless hydrofluoric acid solutions; dilute solutions are visibly indistinguishable from water. HF acid is a common ingredient found in cleaning agents, rust removers, fertilizers, and pesticides. It is part of various mixtures and polishes for the electrochemical industry. Both anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (hydrogen fluoride) and its solutions are clear, colorless liquids. When exposed to air, concentrated solutions and anhydrous HF acid produce pungent vapors which are especially dangerous. This article is for information only. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. It is usually in liquid form. It is present in a variety of over-the-counter products at concentrations of 6% to 12%. Has a slight narcotic effect in poisoning. Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless, fuming liquid or gas with a strong, irritating odor. Hydrofluoric Acid (CAS # 7664-39-3) is very aggressive physiologically because of the fluoride ion. Hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a very strong acid. Topical exposure to Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) can cause systemic hypocalcaemia; Pain may be delayed and disproportionate to external signs; Local anaesthetic techniques are not appropriate for pain relief as they may mask ongoing symptoms. Hydrofluoric acid is a very strong inorganic acid. Do NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Prompt decontamination by removal from the source and copious irrigation of eyes and skin are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. At the consumer level, it is available in products containing concentrations of less than 12% HF for rust removal, glass etching, graffiti removal, … Hydrofluoric Acid (HF): This is a weak acid (pKa 3.15) used for many industrial and consumer applications. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic chemical that is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. 1 It is well known for its ability to dissolve silica and glass and is used in numerous industrial processes (e.g. It is usually shipped in steel cylinders as a compressed gas. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a very strong acid. The health and safety law has not changed. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic chemical that is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. Date of publication: 1999 ISBN: 9780717617517 Series code: INDG307. Hydrofluoric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, which has toxic properties. The symptoms of hydrofluoric acid exposure can include the following: It is usually in liquid form. Poisoning – Acute Guidelines for Initial Management Burns / management of burn wounds. Hydrofluoric acid poisoning Recommendations on first-aid procedures. Hydrofluoric Acid Inhalation Poisoning Symptoms. According to the Taiwan National Poison Center, 324 cases of Hydrofluoric Acid poisoning occurred from 1991 to 2010, occupational causes account for 80% of the poisoning and mainly due to skin exposure. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. Key Points. Significant local and systemic toxicity may occur from hydrofluoric acid by all routes of exposure. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the most dangerous corrosive inorganic acids due to its ability to destroy body tissue. 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