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Potentially life-threatening emergency
Hydrogen fluoride poisoning
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Hydrogen fluoride poisoning

Contributors: Scott Echternacht MD, Bertram W. Berney MD, Michael W. Winter MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is an extremely toxic substance commonly used in many industries such as textiles, pesticides, and semiconductors. When combined with water, it is known as hydrofluoric acid. Human exposure to HF can result in severe cutaneous manifestations as well as devastating systemic effects. Systemic toxicity can occur by inhalation of gas, fumes, or aerosol, or by absorption through eyes, mucous membranes, and skin.

Those at high risk for systemic effects include those with burns over 1% of their body surface with a HF solution greater than 50% concentration or those with burns to 5% of body surface at any concentration. Deaths have been reported with 2.5% of body surface exposure.

Treatment involves irrigation, decontamination, oxygen therapy, topical calcium gluconate, and/or intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate.

Related topic: Hydrogen fluoride burns

Codes

ICD10CM:
T59.5X4A – Toxic effect of fluorine gas and hydrogen fluoride, undetermined, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
212857005 – Toxic effect of fluorine gas and hydrogen fluoride

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Last Reviewed:04/22/2019
Last Updated:05/13/2019
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Potentially life-threatening emergency
Hydrogen fluoride poisoning
A medical illustration showing key findings of Hydrogen fluoride poisoning (Inhalation) : Chest pain, Cough, Headache, Nasal irritation, Dyspnea, Sore throat, Wheezing
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.