It's not just the bony materials. Ca2+ is a critical ion for various signaling and metabolic processes, and HF in sufficient quantity can disrupt metabolism extensively.
Sheila-Yes, and they should be taken to the local hospital ER very quickly. The patient should be kept for observation in case some of the HF still remains. It can continue to drill down in to find bony materials and cause damage---including death. These are instructions I received from the ER Director of our local hospital when I was doing safety and IH for Washington State University.Regards,Patrick Cruver
We keep a tube of calcium gluconate gel in the lab first aid kit; it's the recommended immediate treatment (following water wash). Never been used & (according to expiration date) needs to be replaced annually.Sigma Aldrich MSDS:FIRST AID MEASURESGeneral adviceConsult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Hydrofluoric (HF) acid burns requireimmediate and specialized first aid and medical treatment. Symptoms may be delayed up to 24 hours depending on theconcentration of HF. After decontamination with water, further damage can occur due to penetration/absorption of thefluoride ion. Treatment should be directed toward binding the fluoride ion as well as the effects of exposure. Skinexposures can be treated with a 2.5% calcium gluconate gel repeated until burning ceases. More serious skin exposuresmay require subcutaneous calcium gluconate except for digital areas unless the physician is experienced in thistechnique, due to the potential for tissue injury from increased pressure. Absorption can readily occur through thesubungual areas and should be considered when undergoing decontamination. Prevention of absorption of the fluorideion in cases of ingestion can be obtained by giving milk, chewable calcium carbonate tablets or Milk of Magnesia toconscious victims. Conditions such as hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and cardiac arrhythmias should be monitored for,since they can occur after exposure. Move out of dangerous area.SMK_________________________________Sheila Kennedy, C.H.O.Safety Coordinator | Teaching LaboratoriesUCSD Chemistry & Biochemistry |MC 0303Office: (858) 534-0221 | Fax: (858) 534-7687
_________________________________From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Gates
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 5:55 AM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Question on trifluoracetic acid & emergencies
One of the labs on campus asked about having an HF emergency kit for trifluoracetic acid use.
I need the collective wisdom of his group - yes? no? references? (the SDS doesn't mention anything about this)
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