European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Hydrofluoric (HF) acid is an extremely powerful and corrosive inorganic acid. It is used in many industrial branches. Ingestion of solution or inhalation of fumes and vapors with unintentional and intentional exposures of hydrofluoric acid presents with dermal burns, eye injury, acute respiratory symptoms. A 27year old male, polishing factory worker by occupation,with no significant past medical history presented with complaints of accidental inhalation of acid fumes at work place followed by  breathlessness, chest tightness and cough. Laboratory investigations showed significant hypocalcemia. HRCT thorax showed diffuse extensive patchy areas of ground glass opacities and consolidations involving bilateral lung fields. Patient was treated with oxygen therapy, antibiotics, steroids, intravenous calcium supplementation and nebulizations. HF acid provokes potential life-threatening systemic toxicity and organs failure. This imposes an extraordinary caution and great awareness of health consequences when using, and requires implementation of all personal and general protective measures.