Hydrofluoric acid burn: latent period was key factor
To clean oxidation from silver soldering on a copper component, a technician used a commercial solution containing 15% hydrofluoric acid. At 9:30 a.m., the technician finished the job. The solution was used for approximately 1 hr. He removed his protective clothing and washed up, but not thoroughly (since there was no indication of anything out of the ordinary). It was not until 5:30 p.m. that he felt a burning sensation in one hand and his fingers started turning white (indicative of an acid burn). Because of the one day lapse of time since the exposure, specific hydrofluoric acid emergency treatment was not given. The next morning he saw the hand surgeon who injected calcium gluconate into the burned area. Later the wounds were debrided. Serious damage to the fingers could have resulted had the hydrofluoric acid reached the bone. Fortunately, the hydrofluoric acid had not penetrated as far as expected and, after debridement of the upper tissue, only a few minor scars remained. Three months after the accident, his hand was still swollen, and the use and dexterity of his fingers had not fully returned. After seven months, dexterity had returned although some swelling remained.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab., NJ
- OSTI ID:
- 5777262
- Journal Information:
- Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Vol. 48:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FINGERS
BURNS
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
TOXICITY
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ACCIDENTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
HANDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INJURIES
INORGANIC ACIDS
LIMBS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology