Poisoning by Hydrofluoric Acid. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the most dangerous corrosive inorganic acids due to its ability to destroy body tissue. Hydrogen fluoride readily dissolves in water to form colorless hydrofluoric acid solutions; dilute solutions are visibly indistinguishable from water. It is usually in liquid form. Hydrofluoric Acid Inhalation Poisoning Symptoms. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic chemical that is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. 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 (HF) acid is a dangerous and highly corrosive inorganic acid, that has the ability to cause significant tissue damage. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. 1 It is well known for its ability to dissolve silica and glass and is used in numerous industrial processes (e.g. The health and safety law has not changed. Key Points. Date of publication: 1999 ISBN: 9780717617517 Series code: INDG307. Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless, fuming liquid or gas with a strong, irritating odor. 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. The symptoms of hydrofluoric acid exposure can include the following: Ingestion of small amounts of HF can lead to rapid systemic poisoning … This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. Prompt decontamination by removal from the source and copious irrigation of eyes and skin are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Has a slight narcotic effect in poisoning. The publication you are looking for has been withdrawn. Hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a very strong acid. This article is for information only. Poisoning – Acute Guidelines for Initial Management Burns / management of burn wounds. Hydrofluoric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, which has toxic properties. It is part of various mixtures and polishes for the electrochemical industry. Hydrofluoric acid poisoning Recommendations on first-aid procedures. 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. Both anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (hydrogen fluoride) and its solutions are clear, colorless liquids. Significant local and systemic toxicity may occur from hydrofluoric acid by all routes of exposure. It is used in the aluminum industry, for the production of silicate glass, etching silicon. 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. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic chemical that is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. It is present in a variety of over-the-counter products at concentrations of 6% to 12%. Do NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. HF acid is a common ingredient found in cleaning agents, rust removers, fertilizers, and pesticides. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. It is usually in liquid form. It is usually shipped in steel cylinders as a compressed gas. Hydrofluoric Acid (HF): This is a weak acid (pKa 3.15) used for many industrial and consumer applications. 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