Ingestion of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid: an insidious and potentially fatal poisoning.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to provide the first description of the effects of ingestion of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid in a population reported to a regional poison control center.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of data collected by trained personnel using a standardized data collection system was performed. All charts involving hydrofluoric acid exposures for a 2-year period from a certified regional poison control center were identified by a computerized search. Each chart was abstracted by trained and blinded personnel.

RESULTS:

There were 1,772 exposures to hydrofluoric acid; 135 involved ingestion. There were 99 cases of human hydrofluoric acid ingestion for analysis. All ingestions involved consumer products containing 6% to 8% hydrofluoric acid. Symptoms, most commonly mild gastrointestinal effects, were reported by 49 patients. Two patients with minimal effects during an observation period of 2 to 4 hours deteriorated suddenly and died. All other patients recovered completely. Of 29 cases in which calcium concentrations were recorded, 4 cases of hypocalcemia occurred. All patients who had major effects or died were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces of hydrofluoric acid with suicidal intent. Death occurred precipitously in patients who had appeared well a few minutes earlier.

CONCLUSION:

Death occurred in 2 patients, both of whom were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces with suicidal intent. Ingestion of a household product containing hydrofluoric acid is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring and prompt therapy. The abrupt deterioration and lack of warning signs indicate the need for better diagnostic methods.

• Authors: W F Kao, R C Dart, E Kuffner, G Bogdan
• Journal: Annals of emergency medicine (Ann Emerg Med) Vol. 34 Issue 1 Pg. 35-41 (Jul 1999) ISSN: 0196-0644 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10381992 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrofluoric Acid

Topics

• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Animals
• Child
• Emergency Treatment (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrofluoric Acid (poisoning)
• Hypocalcemia (etiology)
• Male
• Poison Control Centers
• Poisoning (complications, diagnosis, epidemiology, therapy)
• Population Surveillance
• Regional Medical Programs
• Retrospective Studies
• Sex Distribution
• Single-Blind Method
• Suicide (statistics & numerical data)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome