special subjects
Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
Treatment of Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
Various treatments depending on which body part was exposed Prompt decontamination if applicable Calcium and magnesium salts When theskinis exposed to hydrofluoric acid, doctors immediately remove the contaminated clothing or work gear and flush the affected areas with water for 15 minutes (decontamination). After decontamination, acalcium gluconateorcalcium carbonategel is applied to the affected area and covered with a dressing. The gel helps remove hydrofluoric acid from the body. It is applied until pain is relieved. If the calcium gel does not relieve the pain or if the concentrated hydrofluoric acid contacted the skin,calcium gluconatemay be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into an artery. If skin exposure was moderate or severe, the person is transferred to a burn center for possible surgery, including Skin , removal of dead tissue, and amputation. If hydrofluoric acid is ingested, the stomach should sometimes be emptied with a tube inserted into the stomach through the mouth or nose as soon as possible. If emptying is delayed by more than an hour, it is unlikely to help and is therefore avoided. , given in a Taking inhaled beta-adrenergic drugs . People with wheezing and bronchospasm may also be given a nebulized beta agonist (such If symptoms resemble those of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), treatments for ARDS may be used. Treatments include Mechanical Ventilation and proning (turning a person on their stomach). People with fluoride toxicity are admitted to an intensive care unit for tests and treatment. Fluoride toxicity is treated with calcium and magnesium salts, given intravenously because these levels are low. Fluids are given intravenously, and drugs are given if needed to increase the low blood pressure caused by fluoride toxicity. Hemodialysis may be done if people are stable. It can remove fluoride from the bloodstream. If the eyes are exposed to hydrofluoric acid, doctors flush (irrigate) them with copious amounts of water as soon as possible. Irrigation is begun at a workplace eyewash station and is continued on the way to the hospital. Consultation with ophthalmologists may be required. 