Hydrofluoric acid, toxic effect

Category

Acute Poisoning

Acute/Chronic

Acute-Severe (life-threatening)

Biomedical References

Comments

FINDINGS: Skin contact with liquid causes immediate severe pain (>50% solutions), pain delayed 1/2 to 6 hours after exposure (10% to 50% solutions), or pain delayed 6-24 hours after exposure (<10% solutions). HF is a weak acid, but fluoride is the most electronegative ion and is extremely toxic. It can cause extensive damage to skin and bone, and the systemic effects including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperkalemia may produce fatal effects. This acid is also an inhalation hazard. The IDLH level set by NIOSH is 30 ppm. Chronic skin or respiratory exposure to HF can lead to osteosclerosis. [LaDou, p. 488; AHLS, p. 107] TREATMENT: Calcium gluconate 2.5% to 10% in a topical gel can be applied after copious skin irrigation. 10% calcium gluconate can also be injected subcutaneously 0.5 ml per cubic cm of skin surface area. For systemic effects, 10% calcium gluconate or calcium chloride can be given IV, and 10% calcium gluconate can be given intra-arterially. [AHLS, p. 435-446]

Latency/Incubation

Seconds to hours

Diagnostic

Clinical

ICD-9 Code

987.8

ICD-10 Code

T54.2

Reference Link

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

• burn
• limb pain

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this disease:

• Work with toxic chemicals that could be spilled or released

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

• Deuterium fluoride
• Hydrogen fluoride