Fluorohydric acid; fluoric acid; Hydrogen fluoride solution

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Signal word

DANGER

Hazard statements

Fatal if swallowed. Fatal in contact with skin. Fatal if inhaled Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Causes damage to organs (Kindney, Liver, Lung) through prolonged repeated exposure. Emergency Overview ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison) 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. Inhalation: Severely corrosive to the respiratory tract. May cause sore throat, coughing, labored breathing and lung congestion/inflammation. Ingestion: Corrosive. May cause sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, severe burns of the digestive tract, and kidney dysfunction. 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.