Hydrofluoric Acid 10 to 60%

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Colourless, clear liquid with strong acidic odour. Very toxic, very corrosive liquid causing severe eye, skin, digestive tract and inhalation toxicity and burns. A single significant exposure may cause death. Highly corrosive to metal. Long-term exposure may cause bone and joint changes. Target Organs: Skeletal structures, bone. Dangerous Goods Information: Dangerous Goods according to the ADG Code CORROSIVE UN 1790 Class 8 Sub Risk 6.1 PG II HYDROFLUORIC ACID 10% to HYDROFLUORIC ACID 60%

Hazardous Ingredients

Information Hazardous according to the criteria of Australian NOHSC

Hazard categories

Very Toxic, Very Corrosive

Hazard statements

Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Causes severe burns which may not be immediately painful or obvious. Contact with eyes, even for short periods can cause blindness.

Precautionary statements

Keep container tightly closed in a well ventilated place. Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not breathe fumes. Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. After contact with skin wash immediately with plenty of water and apply Calcium Gluconate gel to the affected area. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible).

Potential Acute Health Effects

Swallowed: Very toxic if swallowed. Will cause severe burns to the mouth, mucous membranes, throat, esophagus and stomach with effects including: Spontaneous vomiting with diarrhea and possible bloody stools. Small quantities (approximately 40-100 mL), swallowed will cause death. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. Ingestion of large amounts of fluoride may cause salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, laboured breathing. Fluoride can reduce calcium levels leading to fatal hypocalcemia. May cause systemic effects. Eye: Will cause severe burns to the eyes with effects including: pain, tearing, and conjunctivitis. Contact with eyes, even for short periods can cause blindness. Hydrogen Fluoride vapours can dissolve in the moisture on the surface of the eyes and cause irritation. Splashing into the eye may cause severe and irreversible damage with possible corneal scarring. Skin: Very toxic by skin contact. Will cause severe burns to the skin, with effects including: redness, blistering, localized pain, dermatitis and deep burns. Burns from strong HF (50-70%) are felt immediately, weaker solutions (25%) may take a few minutes to be noticed, solutions of 1-20% may not be felt for several hours. Serious skin splashes have caused death. Inhaled: Very toxic if inhaled. High vapour concentrations can cause severe burns to the lips, mouth, throat and lungs. Weak vapour concentrations of a few ppm can produce irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory system with effects including: dizziness, headache, incoordination, chest pains, coughing, respiratory paralysis and or failure. Fluid accumulation in lungs may occur and can lead to death. May cause systemic effects. Chronic: Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause chronic fluoride poisoning (Fluorosis) characterized by weight loss, weakness, anemia, brittle bones, and stiff joints. Effects may be delayed. Chronic exposure to fluoride compounds may cause systemic toxicity. FLUORISIS: Fluoride tend to accumulate in the bones and excessive amounts will produce weakening and degeneration of the bone structure (osteosclerosis). There may also be heart, nerve, and intestinal problems. Fluorosis may be slowly and partially reversible. SUSDP Poison Schedule: S7 Dangerous Poison