Safety Information

Department of Chemistry

University of Idaho

First Aid Procedures for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure

• For any type of exposure

• For skin exposure

• For eye exposure

• For inhalation

Notes:

Hydrofluoric acid burns may not be immediately painful or visible; symptoms may be delayed 8 hours or longer. The fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin causing destruction of deep tissue layers and bone and it is important to get medical attention if exposed.

Calcium gluconate is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but it is typically recommended in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as a first aid measure for hydrofluoric acid exposure. It provides a substitute calcium source so that bone tissue does not act as the calcium supply. A solution of 0.2% iced aqueous Hyamine 1622 or 0.13% iced aqueous Zephiran Chloride are other options. If you use HF, be sure to read the MSDS first.

Tubes of 2.5% calcium gluconate topical gel are located in first aid kits on all four floors and is also available for sale in ChemStores.

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