Renewal time: 2011-10-20 10:19:21
        Hydrofluoric (HF) acid also called hydrogen fluoride, one of the strongest inorganic acids, is used mainly for industrial purposes (such as glass etching, metal cleaning, electronics manufacturing). Hydrofluoric acid also may be found in home rust removers. Exposure usually is unintentional and often is due to inadequate use of protective measures.
        Hydrofluoric acid burns are a unique clinical entity. Dilute solutions deeply penetrate before dissociating, thus causing delayed injury and symptoms. Burns to the fingers and nail beds may leave the overlying nails intact, and pain may be severe with little surface abnormality.
        Severe burns occur after exposure of concentrated (ie, 50% or stronger solution) hydrofluoric acid to 1% or more body surface area (BSA), exposure to hydrofluoric acid of any concentration to 5% or more BSA, or inhalation of hydrofluoric acid fumes from a 60% or stronger solution. The vast majority of cases involve only small areas of exposure, usually on the digits.
        A unique feature of HF exposure is its ability to cause significant systemic toxicity due to fluoride poisoning.