Fatality due to acute systemic fluoride poisoning following a hydrofluoric acid skin burn.

Abstract

Reports indicate that death due to hydrofluoric acid exposure is usually the result of inhalation of vapor causing pulmonary edema and fluoride poisoning. Absorption via the skin route of fluoride ion sufficient to cause serious systemic problems and even death has rarely been reported. A fatality resulting from a severe facial burn, which produced acute systemic fluoride poisoning with profound hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, is presented. The importance of proper personal protective equipment as well as the immediate initiation of first aid and appropriate medical measures, including the monitoring and replacement of serum calcium and magnesium, are emphasized.

• Authors: P B Tepperman
• Journal: Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association (J Occup Med) Vol. 22 Issue 10 Pg. 691-2 (Oct 1980) ISSN: 0096-1736 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7431138 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrofluoric Acid

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Burns, Chemical (complications)
• Burns, Inhalation (mortality)
• Fluoride Poisoning (mortality)
• Humans
• Hydrofluoric Acid (adverse effects)
• Male
• Occupational Diseases (chemically induced)
• Skin (drug effects)