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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Toxicological information

Direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

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Administrative data

Endpoint:
direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other
Type of information:
not specified
Adequacy of study:
supporting study
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: Recent review on treatments following hydrofluoric acid exposure.

Data source

Reference
Reference Type:
publication
Title:
Successful treatments of lung injury and skin burn due to hydrofluoric acid exposure
Author:
Kono K, Watanabe T, Dote T, Usuda K, Nishiura H, Tagawa T, Tominaga M, Higuchi Y & Onda M
Year:
2000
Bibliographic source:
Int Arch Occup Environ Health (2000) 73; S93-97

Materials and methods

Study type:
other: literature review
Endpoint addressed:
skin irritation / corrosion
Test guideline
Qualifier:
no guideline followed
Principles of method if other than guideline:
The authors review a number of poisoning incidents
GLP compliance:
no

Test material

Constituent 1
Chemical structure
Reference substance name:
Hydrogen fluoride
EC Number:
231-634-8
EC Name:
Hydrogen fluoride
Cas Number:
7664-39-3
Molecular formula:
FH
IUPAC Name:
hydrogen fluoride
Details on test material:
No further details

Method

Type of population:
occupational
Subjects:
A 52 and 35 year old worker
Ethical approval:
not applicable
Route of exposure:
dermal
Reason of exposure:
accidental
Exposure assessment:
not specified
Details on exposure:
Case 1: The worker was using HF for surface treatment after welding stainless steel.
Case 2: The worker was exposed to 100% HF in an electronics factory.
Examinations:
Visual examination of the affected area was performed. Also chest x-ray and urine analysis were performed.
Medical treatment:
Case 1: immediately given calcium gluconate solution by intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB), utilising a neblizer.
Case 2: Treatment began with immediate copious washing with water for 20 min. Calcium gluconate 2.5% gel was applied to the area as a first aid measure.

Results and discussion

Clinical signs:
Case 1: Severe dyspnea.
Case 2: Severe skin burn. Many blisters and erosions on the burned area were observed. No signs of oral or upper airway damage.
Results of examinations:
Case 1:Chest radiograph showed a fine, diffuse veiling over both lower pulmonary fields. Severe hypocalcemia with high concentrations of F in serum and urine were disclosed.
Case2: No signs of oral or upper airway damage on chest examination there were normal breathing sounds and no cardiac murmur. Fluoride concentratiosn in the blood and urine were high.
Effectivity of medical treatment:
Adequate treatment was received. Both were discharged from hospital after a period of stay.

Any other information on results incl. tables

No further remarks.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:
Hydrofluoric acid can be extremely dangerous when inhaled or if it penetrates the skin. Several cases of such exposure have been successfully treated by administering a 5% calcium gluconate solution with a nebuliser and applying 2.5% calcium gluconate.
Executive summary:

In a review of two cases of accidental exposure, the authosr conclude that hydrofluoric acid can be extremely dangerous when inhaled or if it penetrates the skin. Several cases of such exposure have been successfully treated by administering a 5% calcium gluconate solution with a nebuliser and applying 2.5% calcium gluconate.