I've worked with corrosives before. What makes HF and other fluorides special?
The following compounds and related fluoride compounds release fluoride ions (F-):
- hydrofluoric acid (CAS# 7664-39-3)
- ammonium fluoride (CAS# 12125-01-8)
- ammonium bifluoride (CAS# 1341-49-7)
- sodium bifluoride (CAS# 1333-83-1)
- potassium bifluoride (CAS# 7789-29-9)
Fluoride ions pass quickly and easily through your skin and other tissues and enter your bloodstream. This means that skin contact is bloodstream contact.
Fluoride ions aggressively react with free calcium and magnesium — which are important to your health and survival — from your body’s cells. Even small amounts of fluoride poisoning can cause rapid and potentially fatal fluctiations of calcium, potassium, and magnesium in the blood.
Calcium is a necessary part of the cellular contraction and relaxation cycle in muscle cells. Without stable and appropriate amounts of calcium, your muscles — including your heart muscle — cease to function properly. Cardiac arrhythmia/dysrythmia is a common symptom of fluoride poisoning.
Required Documents
HF Acid Standard Operating Procedure template (coming soon; in the interim please use the FSE Liquids & Solids SOP Template)
HF Designated Use Area Sign (contact Rita.Bottesch@asu.edu or Amanda.L.Hoyt@asu.edu to receive laminated signs)
Grab-n-Go Hospital Packet template (coming soon)
Other Resources
Medical Management Guidelines for Hydrogen Fluoride – CDC
Treatment Protocol for HF Acid Burns – Air Products
Calcium Gluconate Gel 2.5% – Attard’s Minerals
Calcium Gluconate Gel 2.5% – Calgonate
Cameo Chemicals – Soluble Fluoride Salts
Cameo Chemicals – Salts Containing the Bifluoride or Acid Fluoride Ion
