HYDROFLUORIC ACID: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS

There are a number of health effects that can result from exposure to hydrofluoric acid. When it comes to the skin, redness, swelling, blisters, and white patches could be seen. Moreover, burns may also occur hours after exposure. While there may not be any pain when an individual first gets burned by hydrofluoric acid, it will appear after a few hours. Fingertip injuries are especially concerning, as they can lead to bone loss, persistent pain, and damage to the nail bed. Mild exposure to this acid can also cause reversible clouding of the cornea, while severe exposure could result in permanent visual defects, blindness, or destruction of the eye. In extreme cases of exposure, adverse health issues, such as cardiac arrest, hypocalcemia, damage to the esophagus, and pulmonary edema, which is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention due to the shortness of breath, can all be side effects of exposure to hydrofluoric acid.