Aqueous NH4-HF Etchant Solutions

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview POISON! DANGER! CORROSIVE. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES SEVERE BURNS WHICH MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY PAINFUL OR VISIBLE. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. LIQUID AND VAPOR CAN BURN SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. CAUSES BONE DAMAGE. AFFECTS RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, HEART, CIRCULATORY SYSTEM, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND KIDNEYS. HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. REACTION WITH CERTAIN METALS GENERATES FLAMMABLE AND POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS. SAF-T-DATAC™ Ratings (Provided here for your convenience) Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison) lof8 htm Flammability Rating: 0 - None Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate Contact Rating: 4 - Extreme (Corrosive) Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES

Storage

Color Code White (Corrosive)

Potential health effects

Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can produce harmful health effects that may not be immediately apparent. If inhaled or swallowed, this compound can cause fluoride poisoning. Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Later effects include central nervous system effects, cardiovascular effects and death. Inhalation: Severely corrosive to the respiratory tract. May cause sore throat, coughing, labored breathing and lung congestion/inflammation. May be absorbed through inhalation of vapors. Symptoms parallel those following ingestion exposure. Ingestion: Corrosive. May cause sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, severe burns of the digestive tract, kidney dysfunction and brain damage. Affects the heart and circulatory system. Skin Contact: Corrosive to the skin. Skin contact causes serious skin burns which may not be immediately apparent or painful. Symptoms may be delayed 8 hours or longer. The fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin causing destruction of deep tissue layers and even bone. Eye Contact: Corrosive to the eyes. Symptoms of redness, pain, blurred vision, and permanent eye damage may occur. Chronic Exposure: Intake of more than 6 mg of fluorine per day may result in fluorosis, bone and joint damage. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia can occur from absorption of fluoride ion into blood stream. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, or impaired kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.