Is hydrofluoric acid used in medicine?

Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. Solutions of HF are colourless, acidic and highly corrosive. It is used to make most fluorine-containing compounds; examples include the commonly used pharmaceutical antidepressant medication fluoxetine (Prozac) and the material PTFE (Teflon).

What is the treatment for hydrofluoric acid?

ANTIDOTE: There is no antidote for hydrofluoric acid (HF) toxicity. Calcium- or magnesium-containing antacids (which bind fluoride ion) have been suggested for use in the treatment of ingestion exposure. Quaternary ammonium compounds or calcium-containing gels may be used topically in the treatment of skin burns.

Is hydrofluoric acid regulated?

Hydrofluoric acid is a “chemical substance” listed on the Inventory List and is therefore regulated under TSCA.

Is hydrogen fluoride the same as hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound that contains fluorine. It can exist as a colorless gas or as a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water. When hydrogen fluoride is dissolved in water, it may be called hydrofluoric acid.

What does hydrofluoric acid do to the human body?

Inhalation Exposure – Inhalation of hydrofluoric acid vapors may cause severe throat irritation, cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, lung injury and pulmonary edema resulting in death.

What are the side effects of hydrofluoric acid?

Symptoms

• Burns to the mouth and throat causing severe pain.
• Drooling.
• Breathing difficulty from throat and mouth swelling and burning.
• Abdominal pain.
• Vomiting blood.
• Chest pain.
• Collapse (from low blood pressure or shock)
• Irregular heartbeat.

How quickly does hydrofluoric acid work?

In one study, 7% HF produced symptoms in 1 to several hours, 12% HF in less than one hour, and 14.5% HF immediately. CONCENTRATIONS 20 TO 50% – Erythema and pain may be delayed from 1 to 8 hours, and is often not reported until tissue damage is extreme.

What is HF alkylation?

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Alkylation Units, often referred to as HF Alky units, are process units used in petroleum refining to convert isobutane and alkenes (primarily propylene or butylene) into alkylate, which is used to make gasoline. The alkylation process itself generates a significant amount of heat.

How do you make hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is produced by the reaction of concentrated sulfuric acid with fluorspar (calcium fluoride): CaF2+H2SO4→2HF+CaSO4. The reaction can take place in two stages.

Does hydrofluoric acid dissolve plastic?

‘Breaking Bad’ Profile: Hydrofluoric Acid Hydrofluoric acid won’t eat through plastic. It will, however, dissolve metal, rock, glass, ceramic. Hydrofluoric acid is so corrosive because the fluorine ion is highly reactive. Even so, it is not considered a ‘strong’ acid because it does not completely dissociate in water.

What kind of acid is hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a strong inorganic acid commonly used in many domestic and industrial settings. It is one of the most common chemical burns encountered in a burn center and frequently engenders controversy in its management. We report our 15 year experience with management of HF burns.

How is hydrofluoric acid ( AHF ) harmful to humans?

It is a clear, colorless, corrosive fuming liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. AHF is 100% soluble in water and is not flammable. AHF forms dense white vapor clouds if released. It can cause severe burns to all parts of the body in liquid and vapor form. Specialized medical treatment is required for all exposures.

Where can I buy 100% hydrofluoric acid?

Most people that are looking for 100% hydrofluoric acid for sale are actually looking for 100% (or 99.9%) hydrogen fluoride. The sale of this product has been discontinued by numerous pure hydrofluoric acid and pure hydrogen fluoride suppliers including Lab Alley, which does not sell 100% hydrofluoric acid.

Which is the best treatment for hydrofluoric acid exposure?

MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR HYDROFLUORIC ACID EXPOSURE 8. sterile 2.5-5% aqueous calcium gluconate beneath, around, and into the burned area. Calcium gluconate is packaged as a 10% solution, and must be diluted 50:50 or 25:75 with normal saline to make 5% or 2.5% solutions.