Results For the 11 year period, OSHA investigated nine deaths in eight incidents which involved HF. Symptoms of HF exposure. HF-based products often include additional chemicals that can burn, including sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Severe health effects or death will result from depletion of calcium from blood and tissues. Hydrofluoric+AcidIncidents!in#Torrance#Elsewhere1" Apartial"chronology"! Selection of specific PPE depends on nature of the operation and the quantity of HF involved. The deceased did not have access to an emergency shower to remove the HF, instead the skin was washed from a hose that provided water at a very low flow rate. In some regions of the country the levels of fluoride in the water are too high and this causes mottling of the teeth and loss of calcium from the bones. 1 Deaths have been reported from concentrated acid burns (involving ≥ 50% HF solutions) to as little as 2.5% of body surface area, which is equivalent to approximately one hand and forearm. As a result of the fact that the technician was working alone, it is unclear whether the spill was from the digestion cup or the 2-1 bulk acid container. polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Full-protectors, a face shield, rubber boots, safety goggles and mid-arm length PVC gloves should have been worn by the deceased when hydrofluoric acid was being used in the fume cupboard. 1. His right leg was amputated 7 days after the incident. We dunk a glowing lightbulb in HF - an acid famed for being disagreeable with glass. Both versions are commonly referred to as HF in research and industry. Hydrofluoric acid is readily absorbed through skin and damages tissues by 2 mechanisms (the double whammy): Thus, hydrogen fluoride (HF) is produced in two forms, as anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (the gaseous form, HF(g)) and as aqueous hydrofluoric acid (the aqueous solution form, HF(aq)). Therefore, it must be handled with extreme caution. Goggles 2. Disclaimer: Answer contains graphic images. Do not let the classification as a weak acid fool you, HF is a very aggressive and dangerous acid. HF is commercially available in concentrations ranging from 10% to 49% with 49% HF being the most common. At physiologic pH, HF dissociates to fluoride and hydrogen ions, leading to … This article looks at the factors that may have contributed to its occurrence. Identification numbers are CAS number 7664-39-3, UN: 1052 or RTECS: MW7875000. 1341-49-7), a chemical that dissociates into HF when dissolved in water and therefore has similar toxicity. Special training, preparation, personal Background Case reports have identified hydrofluoric acid (HF) as causing fatal work injury, and HF has both local and systemic toxicity. Hydrofluoric (HF) acid, one of the strongest inorganic acids, is used mainly for industrial purposes (eg, glass etching, metal cleaning, electronics manufacturing). Hydrofluoric Acid . �8)ԯ��K��>A�#����� Fume hood must be used for all HF work. Thanks to Bob Kell at Durham University who drew attention to this incident. HF is used at a number of locations at UST. Deaths have been reported from concentrated acid burns involving as little as 2.5% Body Surface Area (BSA), an area roughly the size of your hand is sufficient to cause death. The main cause of death is from the fluoride in HF entering the bloodstream, trapping calcium and magnesium and quickly damaging the heart, muscles and nervous system. HF is a liquid or gas which is the most corrosive acid known when in concentrated form. Head, Undergraduate Information: Dr. Beatriz Cisneros, Chemistry Advisor, An equal access/equal opportunity university. Four deaths were from skin contact with concentrated HF, and five deaths involved both skin contact and inhalation of vapor. �c�3FR���`�'ʵ�I�+g΅E��v�aM�� ^���#����2TwM��9���ZvM Of course the vast majority of acids are much more boring. TqlaBt�j\Ii��#����/�lbѪ"d�\�h?u��^�TlTlh:c+�N��&I))��Z!u�jr���7�էƅ��㭠��bua3,�.����a�up��X_6�@��́ŢW&`s��!o��TY�:m^K�\��bצO2y�Ե��uGѿi�\��(����/V�;U�[z�Xȕk��A,Eh�3�������C1��H�3�{?��
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�=�;��~�%נr���>#|���*9;j�TQ�E��əWz��rHt�,�0J��@̢��ݘE�gƝ��FK�&����,K$+;�i�,�#nu�ϡ�D2� �� Concentrated HF (70%) will fume on contact with air. 23 Because calcium is required for cell life, fluoride’s calcium-binding capacity may result in rapid cell death. His condition continued to deteriorate despite, subcutaneous injections of calcium gluconate and administration of intravenous calcium and magnesium. Solutions of HF are colourless, acidic and highly corrosive. Unsafe work practices were factors in all of the deaths. Taken from http://www.ab.ust.hk/hseo/tips/ch/ch005.htm. �Ț����7�pF)��-���f~a��Ӧ�R����Z\���9�e�n� !-PGqs��y���H�P\��%p��e�h�q� Y}R�*���>*���?���>,j�vPB�U{}����i�Nln$���+���5�Ay��rB���%(.���3%���0f��뎮 The DIGEST is a newsletter published by the Universities Safety Association. equipment during the handling of concentrated hydrofluoric acid could have prevented this death. stream x�\�nˑ��W�f� ���wϬd��1����f!�&{,���R�^��ĉ�s2�A��-�T�q�Y�\�R���t����t�Zl��j��6�]So�3�X/��?�ׇ���i�_���}���+{�滣@���M��n;[ֳ��&�l������O��/��lg�ٺ����e�����M}�����f:3�/o�ԓ�_�x=y��������߯w�ꋦ�ΫI}m�>�̋��o�_[�3.�������}������i�f�����o�v�{~�~�H�� �����?\ֿTX��~�8�G�q����B�鬢8����1v�RH���I�b��R��8~� �w͵��+��d���zr>�82��T�D59`�e�.W���y���C�����s�\M�� On 30th October 1987, a crane carrying a 50 foot section of a convection heater dropped its load onto an anhydrous hydrogen fluoride tank within the HF alkylation unit, shearing two lines leading to the top of the tank. Because of its high reactivity toward glass and moderate reactivity toward many metals, hydrofluoric acid is usually stored in plastic containers (although polytetrafluoroethylene is slightly permeable to it). This is what happens when 70% industrial grade Hydrofluoric acid (HF) comes into contact with glass. No calcium gluconate gel was applied to the affected area and contaminated clothing was not removed during the flushing with water. Full length PVC coveralls with sleeves to the wrist or a full-length PVC apron with sleeve protectors, a face shield, rubber boots, safety goggles and mid-arm length PVC gloves should have been worn by the deceased when HF was being used in the fume cupboard. ��&"� This article was taken from the June1997 issue of DIGEST and was based upon the paper which appeared in Ann.Occup.Hygiene, Vol. The working height of the fume cupboard was too low (by between II 0 and 160mm) for the technician to work comfortably in a standing position. Lack of available space in the fume cupboard, entrance of the fume cupboard was 470mm wide and 410 mm high. It has a molecular weight of 20.01 and can typically be found in concentrations of 48-52% in water. Investigation showed that this death could have been prevented if adequate personal protective equipment had been worn during the handling of concentrated hydrofluoric acid. Suitable gloves include those made with PVC and neoprene. Hydrofluoric acid causes painful tissue inflammation and necrosis on contact. Hydrofluoric acid also may be found in home rust removers. Chronic exposure to low level of HF vapor may irritate respiratory system and cause problem to the bones. FACTS Online chemical incident safety database. Sensitive viewers beware images of HF acid burn damage to hand and legs. �3���[����we�YB����yF�&�e;Y�|�Bos Face shield (plastic) 3. Breathing in hydrogen fluoride at high levels or in combination with skin contact can cause death from an irregular heartbeat or from fluid buildup in the lungs. As indicated in the article, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) includes PVC coverall with sleeves to the wrist or full length PVC apron with sleeves protectors, mid-arm length gloves, face shield, safety goggles and rubber boots. Skin contact with concentrated solutions of HF can cause severe burns and death. Hydrofluoric Acid . Supervisors must ensure the availability of protective equipment and the antidote, calcium gluconate cream at the work site. The chemical known as HF has the ability to penetrate the skin tissues deep to the bone – it penetrates more quickly than any other typical acid. The fluoride ions in HF readily bind calcium and magnesium, reducing their levels in the blood, resulting in hypotension and cardiac effects. The exposure to this chemical can occur in several different mechanisms from dermal, ocular, inhalation, and oral routes into the body. HF is similar to other acids in that the initial extent of a burn depends on the concentration, the temperature, and the duration of contact with the acid. Following flushing, the technician, who appeared to be in severe pain and shock, immersed himself in a chlorinated swimming pool at the rear of the workplace, where he remained for approximately 35-40 minutes before ambulance help arrived. Other ergonomic factors which may have reduced the likelihood of a spill include: Overall, it was noted that the laboratory did not comply with requirements of national standards in the areas of emergency procedures, safe handling and disposal of the chemical and laboratory design. HF may be known as Hydrogen fluoride (UN 1052), hydrofluoric acid (UN 1790) or fluorohydric acid. How to Treat a Hydrofluoric Acid Burn. If the penetration is sufficiently deep, decalcification of the bones may result. Sitting increased the body surface area. info@safetorrancerefinery.org! Contact with the eyes could result in blindness. DO NOT confuse hydrofluoric acid with hydrochloric acid (HCl). m���OOaFFB��������c�`$��ZK˲�/���v�q�#+�zv*=��0G�2J�T�]q��#��I�A�
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��OIp�z\y+�!�g#�n�c����� ���35��\��X�Ιo笔��,`Hp���F�8-l ȵ�8�| Refinery Explosions Raise New Warnings About Deadly Chemical Chemical experts say recent refinery explosions could have been far more devastating if deadly hydrogen fluoride was released. Identification numbers are CAS number 7664-39-3, UN: 1052 or RTECS: MW7875000. The risks. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the most dangerous corrosive inorganic acids due to its ability to destroy body tissue.1 It is well known for its ability to dissolve silica and glass and is used in numerous industrial processes (e.g. PURPOSE Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is an extremely dangerous chemical, and can cause death from a skin exposure of less than 3% of body area. Thanks to the big screen, many of us think of acids as dangerous, burn-through-anything substances. Two products contained ammonium bifluoride (NH 4 HF 2 , CAS no. In addition to the strongly corrosive hydrogen ions, HF generates fluoride ions which can readily penetrate skin and tissue, and result in necrosis of subcutaneous tissue. This acid is used to make fluorine-containing drugs, including Teflon and fluorine gas. Closed toe shoes 6. decalcification of bone, cardiac arrhythmia and death. Wanneer waterstoffluoride in water oplost wordt de oplossing fluorzuur genoemd.. 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. Unlike other acids which can be rapidly neutralized, the neutralization of HF may proceed for days during which tissue destruction may continue. Even so, it's probably the most dangerous acid in this list because it's the one you're most likely to encounter. The danger of HF attacking bone calcium and the is a bit over stated: "Exposure to hydrofluoric acid may not be initially painful, and symptoms may not occur until several hours later, when the acid begins to react with calcium in the bones." However, it is a weak acid and not a strong acid because it does not completely dissociate in water (which is the definition of a strong acid) or at least because the ions it forms upon dissociation are too strongly bound to each other for it to act as a strong acid. Concentrated HF burns can be fatal if only 2% of the body surface area is exposed. No calcium gluconate gel was applied following dermal exposure. Also look out for any products containing ‘bifluoride’ such as ammonium bifluoride, sodium bifluoride, potassium bifluoride or similar as these can produce hydrogen fluoride if an acid is present. HF can penetrate the skin extremely easily and decalcifies bones leading to tissue necrosis, which may result in amputation and death. Aqueous hydrofluoric acid is a contact-poison with the potential for deep, initially painless burns and ensuing tissue death. Radiological and Environmental Management, Graduate Admissions: Dr. Stephen Hoffmann, Assistant Dept. It can also be called hydrogen fluoride, fluorohydric acid or HF. Deaths have been reported from concentrated acid burns involving as little as 2.5% Body Surface Area (BSA), an area roughly the size of your hand is sufficient to cause death. Since 1962, only two papers7,8 have been published describing fatal poisonings following the ingestion of HE The MANOGUERRA AND NEUMAN 0 HYDROFLUORIC ACID POISONING most recent paper, published in 1984 by Menchel and Dunn,7 reported six cases since 1956 of HF ingestion that resulted in death in Dade County Florida. 2. Thus, hydrogen fluoride (HF) is produced in two forms, as anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (the gaseous form, HF(g)) and as aqueous hydrofluoric acid (the aqueous solution form, HF(aq)). Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive acid, capable of dissolving many materials, especially oxides. Systemic hypocalcemia should be considered a risk whenever the body surface area of skin burns from concentrated HF exceed 25 in2 (160 cm2), or about the size of the palm of your hand. It is commonly used to etch glass and silicon wafers. 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. Safety shower and emergency eyewash must be available in or near the lab. Provision of a fume cupboard that had more working space; Use of smaller sized bottles or better designed 2-1 70%w/w hydrofluoric acid containers (to minimize awkward pouring postures) or introduction of a graduated dispensing unit to negate pouring the acid; Provision of an appropriate bench height for the operator. If the penetration is sufficiently deep, decalcification of the bones may result. death will result from depletion of calcium from blood and tissues. Exposure usually is unintentional and often is due to inadequate use of protective measures. Waterstoffluoride, fluorwaterstofzuur of vloeizuur is een zeer corrosief zuur met als brutoformule HF. Quality: * * * Year: 1984: Country: USA: Activity: PROCESSING: Location: CHEMICAL FACTORY Inhalation of HF produces an immediate injury to the lining of the lungs with hemorrhage pulmonary edema and death. 6, pp 705-710, 1996. glass etching, brick cleaning, microchip etching, electroplating, and leather tanning) and even as an active ingredient in several household chemicals such as rust remover, aluminum brighteners, and heavy-du… �~�-2�B|:�pΪ��l6���!ܒ;�N�����жm��r��� �}����Cր$]� Mr. Hanly inhaled the acid's fumes, leading to his death in the emergency room of New York Hospital, Mr. Chalfen said. The original article was written by Luciano Muriale, Evelyn Lee, and Steven Trend of Worksafe Western Australia, and John Genovese of the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia and published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Hydrofluoric acid (CAS#7664-39-3) is the aqueous form of hydrogen fluoride gas, miscible with water. The pKa of HF is 3.2, allowing it to readily cross cell membrane barriers, es- pecially in the acidic conditions of the stomach. Hydrofluoric Acid HF: With a pKa of 3.15 HF is considered a weak acid in that it is not full disassociated below a pH of about 5.5 and will form complexes with many compounds including itself. Even brief exposure to high levels of the vapor may cause severe damage to the respiratory system. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid vapors are also an inhalation hazard and can cause ocular irritation. Thicker (10-20 mil) PVC or neoprene gloves provide better resistance but do not provide the necessary dexterity for many lab procedures. Although a weak acid, i.e., it is not strongly disassociated, is used to etch glass. HF is an extremely dangerous material and all forms, including vapors and solutions, can cause severe, slow-healing, burns to tissues. Hydrogen fluoride is a gas which when in solution with water forms hydrofluoric acid,HF. The technician involved was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity (between 100 - 230ml) of hydrofluoric acid (HF) onto his lap, splashing both thighs. If HF is not rapidly neutralized and the fluoride ion bound, tissue destruction may continue for days and result in limb loss or death. Torrance!Refinery!ActionAlliance! 4 0 obj Hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a very strong acid. The toxicity of HF and HCl are very different. Pain associated with skin exposure to HF may not occur for 1-24 hours. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a clear, colorless corrosive liquid that is extremely hazardous. %��������� Do not let the classification as a weak acid fool you, HF is a very aggressive and dangerous acid. To subscribe : Contact Martin Larmour at M.Larmour@Kingston.ac.uk, Director, Health, Safety and Environment Office, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 (765) 494-4600, Department of Chemistry, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2084 | Telephone: (765) 494-5200 | Fax: (765) 494-0239, © 2020 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Science IT. Surveillance for HF‐related mortality is problematic because of the lack of unique coding for this acid in hospital records and vital statistics. Both versions are commonly referred to as HF in research and industry. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 40, No. Hydrogen fluoride gas, even at low levels, can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Stealth Acid Damage. It has been estimated that death due to HF poisoning can occur if as little as 2.5% of the body comes into contact with concentrated acid (the palm of the hand represents approximately 1% of body surface area). Hydrofluoric acid is used to produce chemical precursors for the pharmaceutical industry and has other industrial applications. Depending on the concentration, exposure to HF can cause death. Hydrofluoric acid (CAS#7664-39-3) is the aqueous form of hydrogen fluoride gas, miscible with water. �PR�jO�46C'W�j��H���-x����hq��9^ۻs��V`�3�!1�{�� W#�ح]M�&FS�M��$����]-��
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n`e�� �`?�" HF Acid Attacking Bone matter. Vinegar (which contains ethanoic acid) and citric acid (found in, guess what, citrus fruits)… An ergonomic assessment of the work station indicated the following: The laboratory personnel could have minimised the likelihood of a spill through the introduction of cup supports for the digestion cups. This safe work procedure applies to working directly with HF as a reagent as well as procedures where HF is a by-product. However, HF is not only a strong corrosive, but also highly toxic towards higher concentra- tions: Local effects include tissue destruction and necrosis, deaths have been reported from concentrated acid burns to as little as 2.5 % body surface area. At low concentration, skin burns may not be felt immediately although the delayed effects could be serious. Hydrofluoric acid is extremely corrosive! Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound with the chemical formula H F.This colorless gas or liquid is the principal industrial source of fluorine, often as an aqueous solution called hydrofluoric acid.It is an important feedstock in the preparation of many important compounds including pharmaceuticals and polymers, e.g. Sensitive viewers beware images of HF acid burn damage to hand and legs. Chronic exposure to low level of HF vapor may irritate respiratory system and cause problem to the bones. Is a colourless solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water, it is one of the most dangerous acids known, and has been responsible for a significant number of deaths and life changing injuries around the world. Elemental fluorine is produced from it. Aqueous hydrofluoric acid is a contact-poison with the potential for deep, initially painless burns and ensuing tissue death. '�d�5�2�7ȚB�jO�%�\��W$9�-+(;d-$Q� ����rit�|v�. �d��|>��k��x���|1#_���+��h�.g��vQM0���`l�Ʒ��(�@1)�ҩ�#�R� �߱?JOD�} ��R){#�n��z��K �ˡh1}5qD�~��=r��.��#`{3|�N��!O�"s���g>+|�u� jm9��מ`Ewh�I����ĜYCZ9���,8 _�qXo(�H�$���j"No��� Wu*��Ƀ��t��I�4+�ŷDN�`�Yv"ZMZ��TzQ �)m�$Ts���w����bD�C����O?�����]� 4�l>:c���Ʈ����O�VU��f�Ϫ�e�a �b BX�H����3��_�3�Q�R"u�^2,j�(')r��S�R�̖�D�J|�N��\��#Yr�Ě��-��*y|
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