special subjects
Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
Introduction
Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can result in skin burns or other injuries, depending on which body part was exposed to it. Injuries usually occur when hydrofluoric acid comes in contact with the skin. Symptoms vary depending on which body part is exposed and may include pain (sometimes described as burning) at the site of the exposure. If hydrofluoric acid comes in contact with the skin, is ingested, or is inhaled, it may affect the whole body. To diagnose an injury due to hydrofluoric acid exposure, doctors ask questions about potential exposure to the acid, do a physical examination, and may take x-rays or do electrocardiography or endoscopy. Treatment includes decontamination if the skin or eyes were exposed to hydrofluoric acid, stomach emptying if hydrofluoric acid was ingested,calcium gluconate, and sometimes other drugs. Hydrofluoric acid is commonly used in many industrial processes, including oil refining, silicon and glass etching, refrigerant production, and aluminum metal production. Hydrofluoric acid is also used as a brick and stone cleaner, rust remover, and wheel cleaner. Most exposure to hydrofluoric acid occurs in the workplace. Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid that can penetrate the skin and move into the underlying tissues and damage them. Usually, injuries due to exposure occur when hydrofluoric acid comes in contact with the skin. Injury can also result when the acid comes in contact with the eyes, is ingested, or is inhaled. Workers may accidentally ingest hydrofluoric acid if it is stored in unmarked containers, such as water bottles. This type of exposure is not common. Outside the workplace, the acid may be ingested when a person attempts self-harm or a young child ingests it out of curiosity. 