How Dangerous is Hydrofluoric Acid?

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is an aqueous inorganic acid solution commonly used in industry and research for its ability to etch silicon compounds. This acid act as an essential tool for semiconductor and electronic fabrication, mineral processing and glass etching. In addition to its beneficial qualities, hydrofluoric acid also poses severe health risks upon exposure. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic substance that is highly corrosive. In other words, it can immediately cause severe damage to tissues, such as burning or ulcers, on contact. Check out the article to know more about Hydrofluoric acid and its uses, symptoms and more.

Hydrofluoric Acid (Hydrogen Fluoride) 

Hydrofluoric acid or hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound that contains fluorine. This can be in the form of a colourless gas or as a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water. When HF is dissolved in water, it is called hydrofluoric acid. Hydrogen fluoride will be released only when other fluoride-containing compounds such as ammonium fluoride are combined with water

HF is used to make pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, aluminium, plastics, electrical components, refrigerants, herbicides, and fluorescent light bulbs. About 60% of the hydrogen fluoride used in manufacturing is for processes to make refrigerants. Additionally, hydrogen fluoride is also used for metal and etching glass.

How could you be exposed to Hydrofluoric Acid?

• When storage facilities or containers are damaged during a natural disaster and the chemical is discharged, you could be exposed to high concentrations of hydrogen fluoride. This can occur at an industrial site or even a retail location.
• You can also be exposed to hydrogen fluoride when it is used as a chemical terrorism agent.
• You can be exposed to hydrogen fluoride at work if you have a job that involves using this acid.

Hydrofluoric Acid is most commonly used for industrial purposes. It can be used in:

• Computer screen manufacturing
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Glass etching
• High-octane gasoline manufacturing
• Household rust removers

How Dangerous is Hydrofluoric Acid?

Though hydrofluoric acid is considered a weak acid, it is one of the most dangerous inorganic acids. Burns of as little as 1% body surface area, or about 25 sq in, have been known to be fatal due to the acid’s unique properties.

Hydrofluoric acid penetrates tissue more quickly than other typical acids. So, systemic toxicity can occur by dermal, ocular, inhalation and oral routes. When human tissue is exposed to concentrated hydrofluoric acid, the molecules disassociate into individual hydrogen and fluoride ions. The hydrogen ion burns like other acids. The fluoride ion penetrates quickly dermal and muscle tissue and reacts with the magnesium and calcium found within the body, rendering these ions useless. The heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system are some of the major organs or systems that are most prone to injury. Exposures of 6% to 8% BSA burns of concentrations above 50% hydrofluoric acid almost always prove fatal within hours.

Even at lower concentrations, death may occur if definitive treatment is not sought quickly. Hydrofluoric acid interferes with nerve function, so burns from lower concentrations may not be initially painful. Accidental exposures can go unnoticed for hours or even days, delaying treatment and increasing the extent and seriousness of the injury. This can be extremely dangerous, since victims may not recognize that they are injured. If too much damage is done before therapy is obtained, the associated hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia may be fatal.

Symptoms of Exposure to Hydrofluoric Acid

• Swallowing a small amount of highly concentrated HF will affect major internal organs and can also be fatal.
• Even at low levels, hydrogen fluoride gas can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Breathing in HF at high levels or in combination with skin contact can cause death from an irregular heartbeat or from fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Even small splashes of high-concentration HF products on the skin can be fatal. However, skin contact with acid may not cause immediate pain or visible skin damage.
• Depending on the chemical concentration 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. And severe pain can take place even if no burns can be seen.

Note that showing these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to hydrogen fluoride. Other chemicals can also cause these signs. 

Treatment for Hydrogen Fluoride Poisoning

People who have been exposed should get medical treatment as soon as possible. Doctors may use products to help neutralize the effects of poisoning. Hydrogen fluoride poisoning is treated with gels, liquids, and drugs that include calcium gluconate (calcium sugar).

We hope this article on Hydrofluoric acid will help you. Please feel to ask if you have any queries regarding the Hydrofluoric acid (HF). Check out Embibe for more information.