What Concentration Of Hydrofluoric Acid Is Harmful To Human Body

The degree of skin damage is related to hydrofluoric acid concentration, contact time, contact site and treatment method. Lower concentrations of hydrofluoric acid also have a certain risk, but the higher the concentration, the longer the exposure time, and the softer or denser the affected tissue, the more rapid and intense the effect. The following are general guidelines on hydrofluoric acid concentrations and hazards:

1.Concentrations below 30% : In this concentration range, hydrofluoric acid may cause skin and eye irritation, but usually does not cause serious damage. However, even low concentrations of hydrofluoric acid should be handled with care to avoid contact and inhalation.

2.30% to 50% concentration: In this concentration range, pain and skin lesions often occur immediately. Hydrofluoric acid is more corrosive to the skin and eyes and can cause severe burns and tissue damage. Breathing in high concentrations of vapor or gas can cause respiratory tract damage and lung problems.

3.Above 50% concentration: This is a high concentration of hydrofluoric acid, which is very dangerous and highly corrosive. Exposure to high concentrations of hydrofluoric acid can cause rapid and severe skin damage, even deep burns and tissue liquefaction and necrosis. Inhaling high concentrations of the gas can cause severe respiratory and lung damage and can sometimes be fatal.

4.Hydrofluoric acid fog can cause itching and dermatitis. Large doses can also cause burns to the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory mucosa. Eye contact with high concentration of hydrofluoric acid, local severe pain, and quickly form a white pseudomembrane like turbidity, if not treated in time can cause corneal perforation. Hydrofluoric acid burn combined with fluorosis has been noticed, the patients have convulsions due to hypocalcemia, prolonged Q-T interval of electrocardiogram, and ventricular fibrillation

It should be noted that the concentration is not the only factor, and factors such as contact time, volume and operating conditions should be considered when dealing with hydrofluoric acid. Therefore, for any concentration of hydrofluoric acid, strict safety measures should be taken, correct operating procedures should be followed, and appropriate protective equipment should be equipped to minimize the risk. If higher concentrations of hydrofluoric acid need to be handled or related operations are performed, it is recommended that they be handled by experienced professionals and performed in a specially equipped laboratory or work environment.