Hydrofluoric acid

Hydrofluoric acid is hydrogen fluoride dissolved in water. It etches silica and reacts with calcium and magnesium in tissue, making exposure especially dangerous.

Hydrogen fluoride: Hydrogen fluoride is a compound of hydrogen and fluorine that forms hydrofluoric acid when dissolved in water. It is the dissolved molecule responsible for the acid’s reactions.
Glass etching: Glass etching is the controlled removal or roughening of glass surfaces by chemical or abrasive methods. Hydrofluoric acid selectively removes silica from glass.
Chemical burn: A chemical burn is tissue injury caused by contact with a corrosive or otherwise damaging substance. Hydrofluoric acid exposure produces burns that can extend into deeper tissues.
Hydrochloric acid: Hydrochloric acid is hydrogen chloride dissolved in water, commonly used in industry and laboratory work. Unlike hydrofluoric acid, its principal danger is usually immediate corrosive injury rather than fluoride poisoning.
Hydrofluoric acid inhalation: Hydrofluoric acid inhalation is respiratory exposure to hydrogen fluoride vapor or mist. Airborne exposure can injure the lungs as well as the eyes and skin.
Silicon dioxide: Silicon dioxide is a chemical compound found in quartz and the principal component of ordinary glass. Hydrofluoric acid attacks silica, enabling glass etching.
Pickling (metal): Metal pickling is a chemical treatment that removes oxide scale and other surface impurities from metal. Hydrofluoric acid is used in some pickling treatments, especially for stainless steel.
Fluoride toxicity: Fluoride toxicity is harmful disruption of biological function caused by excessive fluoride exposure. Absorbed fluoride can disturb calcium and magnesium balance throughout the body.
Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid widely used in fertilizer production and chemical manufacturing. It causes severe corrosive burns but does not share hydrofluoric acid’s systemic fluoride effects.
Hydrofluoric acid eye injury: Hydrofluoric acid eye injury is chemical damage to ocular tissues caused by liquid, vapor, or mist exposure. Even brief contact can threaten the cornea and vision.

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