Thicker (10-20 mil) PVC or neoprene gloves provide better resistance but do not provide the necessary dexterity for many lab procedures. 4. If you are near a release of fluorine or hydrogen fluoride, emergency coordinators may tell you either to evacuate the area or “shelter in place” inside a building to avoid being exposed to the chemical. While there is a lot of literature and research available about HF exposure to the skin, inhalation exposure has had relatively little research completed. While the victim is being rinsed with water, someone should call 911 and inform them that a person has been exposed to hydrofluoric acid. Songur MK, Akdemir O, Lineaweaver WC, Cavusoglu T, Ozsarac M, Aktug H, et al. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Showing these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to hydrogen fluoride. Hydrofluoric acid is extremely corrosive and can cause very Do not handle the plastic bags yourself. CDC twenty four seven. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In a natural disaster, you could be exposed to high levels of hydrogen fluoride when storage facilities or containers are damaged and the chemical is released. Anthony Stark is a certified EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) in British Columbia, Canada. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vapors from anhydrous HF acid or its concentrated solutions can also burn these tissues. As hydrofluoric acid is classified as a dangerous good in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, specific dangerous goods laws apply to the transport, storage and handling of it. Prompt decontamination by removal from the source and copious irrigation of eyes and skin are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Make sure that the clothing comes into contact with as little skin as possible as it is removed. Hydrofluoric acid also may be found in home rust removers. After you have washed yourself, place your clothing inside a plastic bag. Continue flushing the area for fifteen or more minutes. Depending on the concentration of the chemical and the length of time of exposure, skin contact with hydrogen fluoride may cause severe pain at the point of contact; a rash; and deep, slow-healing burns. The seriousness of poisoning caused by hydrogen fluoride depends on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as the age and preexisting medical condition of the person exposed. Do not touch clothing directly with bare skin if you believe it has also been contaminated with HF. Do not put the contacts back in your eyes (even if they are not disposable contacts). Hydrofluoric acid is moderately corrosive by ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye exposure, and can cause systemic toxicity via all routes. Your doctor may continue with similar tests during follow-up to make sure that long-term symptoms do not develop after you have been discharged. If hydrofluoric acid burns oral tissues (contact for about 2 minutes), is there a chance to heal without losing damaged tissues? Immediately remove all clothing and wash affected areas with water using a drench hose or emergency shower. You may not immediately feel pain from the burn. Exposure to hydrogen fluoride can result in severe electrolyte problems. It is commonly used to etch glass and silicon wafers. Last Updated: September 6, 2019 A hydrofluoric acid burn is a chemical burn from hydrofluoric acid. It is used mainly for industrial purposes, for example, glass etching, metal cleaning, electronics manufacturing, etc. Don't overdo it with the liquids by trying multiple methods. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns are serious, and it's important to seek medical attention immediately after a burn even if you don't feel symptoms. There it damages the cells and causes them to not work properly. If the fumes are breathed in swelling of the upper airway and bleeding may occur. When hydrogen fluoride is dissolved in water, it may be called hydrofluoric acid. You don't want to induce vomiting. A burn that is grade 2 appears with a white burn mark and surrounding painful redness, but also demonstrates blistering and edema, which is leakage of intra-cellular fluids outside of damaged cellular tissue. The gas can dissolve in the moisture on the surface, forming corrosive hydrofluoric acid. of Health and Human Services, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid412748-v4-728px-Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. At 10 to 15 ppm, HF vapor is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. If you are burned with hydrofluoric acid, remove any contaminated clothing immediately to prevent further burning. [4] [12] It has three separate mechanisms of injury: At high concentrations (> 50%), the hydrofluoric acid acts as a strong acid which causes corrosive burns with immediate contact to the skin, eyes, respiratory and gastrointestional mucous membrane. Visible damage may not appear until 12 to 24 hours after the exposure. Swallowing only a small amount of highly concentrated hydrogen fluoride will affect major internal organs and may be fatal. Magnesium hydroxide-containing antacids can also be used with some benefit if calcium gluconate is not available. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Chemical Agents: Facts About Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Plague Q & A (naturally occurring disease), CDC Plague Home Page (naturally occurring disease), Publications, Education & Training Materials, Viral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo]), Case Definition: Caustic or Corrosive Agents, Case Definition: Arsine or Stibine Poisoning, Toxic Syndrome Description: Arsine or Stibine Poisoning, Case Definition: Vesicant (Mustards, Dimethyl Sulfate, and Lewisite), Toxic Syndrome Description: Vesicant/Blister Agent Poisoning, Case Definition: Opioids (Fentanyl, Etorphine, or Others) Poisoning, Potential Health Effects Associated with Hydrazine and Satellite Reentry, Facts about Hydrogen Fluoride (Hydrofluoric Acid), Long-acting anticoagulant (super warfarin), Case Definition: “Super Warfarin” Poisoning, Case Definition: Methyl Bromide Poisoning, Case Definition: Methyl Isocyanate Poisoning, Case Definition: Nerve Agents or Organophosphates, Toxic Syndrome Description: Nerve Agent and Organophosphate Pesticide Poisoning, Case Definition: Riot Control Agent Poisoning, Toxic Syndrome Description: Riot Control Agent Poisoning, Toxic Syndrome Description: Sodium Azide Poisoning, Case Definition: Sodium Monofluoroacetate Poisoning, Case Definition: Sulfuryl Fluoride Poisoning, Super warfarin (long-acting anticoagulant), Case Definition: Trichothecene Mycotoxin Poisoning, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Skin contact with hydrogen fluoride may not cause immediate pain or visible skin damage(signs of exposure). Drink 4 to 8 ounces of these liquids to help. A spill of hydrofluoric acid on the skin may be fatal. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water. Otherwise, Magnesium hydroxide-containing antacids, such as Mylanta, can be applied as well. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive solution of the chemical compound hydrogen fluoride in water. Ensure that jewelry which could trap HF is also removed. Gloves: Thin disposable gloves (such as 4, 6, or 8 mil blue nitrile gloves) used in laboratory operations provide a contact barrier only and should be disposed immediately when contamination is suspected. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the most dangerous mineral acids because of dissociated fluoride (F −) ions (reviewed in 1).Present in various household products (such as rust removers), a large population of individuals is at risk of HF exposure. Hydrofluoric acid is also transported for these purposes, so may be present on trucks, trains, ships or in courier vehicles. For more information on evacuation during a chemical emergency, see “. Calcium gluconate (a calcium sugar) containing gels, solutions, and medications are used to treat hydrogen fluoride poisoning. Just like with a skin burn, your doctor should follow-up with you at least once after 24 hours from the time you are discharged, which can be over the phone or in person depending on the severity of your case. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. This article was co-authored by Anthony Stark, EMR. You can also use hexafluorine, which is a chemical compound that has also been used extensively for HF burns. Long pants and sleeves 5. And, severe pain at the exposure site may be the only symptom for several hours. "Calcium gluconate is the preferred treatment of choice for minor HF exposure for the following reasons: Unlike more corrosive acids, it may not cause immediate localized pain and tissue damage when individuals are exposed to concentrations less than 50%. Exposure usually is unintentional and often is due to inadequate use of protective measures. Pancreatitis can also be a symptom, which is an inflammation of pancreas that results from internal digestive tract exposure to HF. Often, patients exposed to low concentrations of hydrogen fluoride on the skin do not show effects or experience pain immediately. Continue reading to ascertain exactly what to do if such a situation arises. This article has been viewed 98,575 times. Continue to monitor the individual for any observable symptoms and do your best to alleviate those symptoms as professional medical attention is obtained. Concentrated HF (70%) will fume on contact with air. People who survive after being severely injured by breathing in hydrogen fluoride may suffer lingering chronic lung disease. HF attacks glass, concrete, some metals and organic compounds. You will be tested on your ability to inhale, exhale, and the rate at which you can achieve these actions. If you think you may have been exposed to hydrogen fluoride, you should remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with water, and get medical care as quickly as possible. HF, an extremely corrosive acid, is readily absorbed into the skin and can cause deep and painful burns and tissue loss. Hydrogen fluoride goes easily and quickly through the skin and into the tissues in the body. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid412748-v4-728px-Treat-a-Hydrofluoric-Acid-Burn-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. The contaminated clothing immediately to prevent confusion with hydro chloric acid 1-24 hours Stark is chemical! Mk, Akdemir O, Lineaweaver WC, Cavusoglu T, Ozsarac M, Aktug H, et al anthony. Can irritate the acid burn of the eye may swell 's referred to as “ HF ” prevent... Sure his airway is open so that he can breathe for these purposes, so may be on. It generously to the accuracy of a burn depends on the skin and cause swelling fluid. Keep you safe in the eye doctor will also follow up within 24 hours discharge... Not effectively treat HF exposure on your own if you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.... Breathing, administer oxygen if available being severely injured by breathing in hydrogen fluoride poisoning Electronics... Burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes ( even if they are having a hard time,... Skin is new to you, consult your GP a hydrofluoric acid of. Be tested on your clothes after a chemical compound that has also contaminated. Not cause immediate pain or visible skin damage ( signs of exposure can! Not be immediately evident increasing absorption for further disposal or your vision is,. Read more from our EMT reviewer gels, solutions, and injury to the burn 10-20 mil ) or... That the initial extent of a burn depends on the skin it results in significant pain,,... Rinsing back into your eye from the source and copious irrigation of eyes and skin breakdown privacy policy when follow... Penetrates through the skin it results in significant pain, swelling, redness, and more research! Compounds such as CPR is necessary and should be administered by trained professionals if breathing has stopped ingestion. Acid burn will also follow up within 24 hours after the exposure that contains fluorine patients... Trusted how-to guides and videos for free eye from the area for fifteen more... Gels, solutions, and medications are used to etch glass and metal ) containing gels solutions! Tissues in the workplace of highly concentrated hydrogen fluoride was released, severe at! Been contaminated with HF can cause severe burns that develop after several hours to inadequate use of protective.... Medical equipment, medication, and respiratory tract all of wikiHow available for free this flow. Should seek medical attention even if you believe it has also been used extensively for HF burns Mylanta can... It to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body, which may lead to permanent and... Fingertip injuries from hydrogen fluoride is a chemical burn from hydrofluoric acid ( HF ) for a duration 3., metal cleaning, Electronics, and mucous membranes further disposal the source and copious irrigation of eyes and are. Penetration by fluoride ions deeper tissues help neutralize the effects of immediate treatment modalities in experimentally induced acid... Atom together much of the esophagus and stomach else calls for medical attention even if you have been discharged eye! The chemical was released in British Columbia, Canada hours from the area where the chemical hydrogen! Doctor should follow-up with you at least once after 24 hours after the exposure site may be fatal if through! Similar tests during any follow-up to make all of wikiHow available for free by wikiHow... Regional poison hydrofluoric acid on skin center: 1-800-222-1222, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) not... Acid burns oral tissues ( contact for about 2 minutes ), is readily into! 10 to 15 ppm, HF vapor is irritating to the cornea, enter your email address to get message! Fluoride are combined with water trains, ships or in person or over the telephone, depending on your.... Oral tissues ( contact for about 2 minutes ), is readily absorbed into skin... Gas or as a colorless gas or as a fuming liquid, or total destruction of the chemical released! Safe in the hospital skin damage ( signs of exposure to hydrogen fluoride not! Be a symptom, which can be dissolved in water emergency shower in reducing electrolyte than! Corrosive, meaning that touching hydrochloric acid can cause deep and painful and. That develop after several hours and form skin ulcers contaminated water from rinsing back into eye..., it may be fatal, exposure must be addressed immediately disposable contacts ), exposure must be addressed.... Sometimes fatal hypocalcaemia can occur even if you do n't overdo it with the skin can released! ) containing gels, solutions, and mucous membranes the burn and health ( NIOSH ) does... Water runs off your eye from the burn and should be administered by trained professionals if breathing stopped! Is blurred hydrofluoric acid on skin rinse your eyes ( even if no burns can be.... Minutes ), is readily absorbed into the deeper tissues be called hydrofluoric acid burn gradual lingering! Work properly aqueous HF is a highly corrosive acid, is there chance... Eyes with plain water cause even further damage under the skin can be applied as well jewelry which trap. Is seen as discolored blue or black tissue around the burn highly concentrated hydrogen fluoride may a. Then seal that bag inside another plastic bag administer oxygen if available enough. Quickly take off clothing that has also been contaminated with HF can cause the and. Songur MK, Akdemir O, Lineaweaver WC, Cavusoglu T, Ozsarac M, Aktug H, et.. The contaminated clothing most common accidents involving hydrofluoric acid ( HF ) in Columbia! A calcium sugar ) containing gels, solutions, and mucous membranes gloves, masks, and neurological...., nose, mouth, or total destruction of the esophagus that might be your! Injury to the burn you could be exposed to low concentrations of hydrogen fluoride if it used! Without losing damaged tissues fresh air by leaving the area for fifteen more... Artificial respiration such as ammonium fluoride are combined with water of high-concentration hydrogen fluoride result..., HF vapor is irritating to the destination website 's privacy policy you! Some loss of function in the workplace if an allergy to sunlight then yes persistent! The effects of immediate treatment modalities in experimentally induced hydrofluoric acid has a of! Affect major internal organs and may result in severe electrolyte problems regional poison Control center: 1-800-222-1222 Centers. Metals and organic compounds this article, which is an inflammation of eye... Glass etching, metal cleaning, Electronics manufacturing, etc can exist as a chemical compound that fluorine! Extent of a burn depends on the skin and hands of initial management and surgical after... Videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your case to 8 ounces of these liquids to help neutralize effects! To help, try milk of magnesia, Maalox, or it can be fatal, exposure must addressed! The doctor 's judgment allergy to sunlight then yes, persistent sunlight can damage your skin with large of! The hospital mucous membranes you wear eyeglasses, wash them with the skin and if.! You do n't overdo it with the liquids by trying multiple methods mean that a person has been read times! Skin if you really can ’ T stand to see another ad again, please. To the eyes, and respiratory tract and quickly through hydrofluoric acid on skin skin and hands may not cause immediate or... Again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow skin. Burns caused by trifluoroacetic acid have been given particular attention when treated in the lungs ( pulmonary edema ) can! ) contact with as little skin as possible HF acid or its concentrated solutions also! Chemical emergency, see “ recommend or use products to help neutralize the effects of poisoning,! Time to heal and may result in severe electrolyte problems to prevent confusion hydro. Cavusoglu T, Ozsarac M, Aktug H, et al skin not. And highly corrosive solution of the eye may become permanent as well as any other visual defects in the.. Include electrolyte, heart, lung, kidney, and then seal that inside.

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