Hydrofluoric acid is a strong inorganic acid. It differs from other acids in that the fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin, causing destruction of deep tissue layers and even bone. Burns caused by hydrofluoric acid can be life-threatening. The specific antidote, calcium gluconate, can be applied topically, injected into tissue or infused intra-arterially. Emergency medical teams should be familiar with the symptoms and of hydrofluoric acid exposure and should be ready to respond properly in case of emergency. In this paper, we present a case of hydrofluoric acid poisoning due to accidental exposure to hydrofluoric acid.
Keywords: Hydrofluoric acid, calcium gluconate, chemical burn