HF...quão Perigoso?

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What kinds of products contain hydrofluoric acid?
Especially difficult stains, such as rust and water stains on glass and tar on car wheel covers, pose difficult cleaning problems. Many of the agents used to remove these tough stains contain hydrofluoric acid (HF). Hydrofluoric acid is also used in glass etching, dry cleaning (to remove very resistant stains) and in computer component manufacturing.

How dangerous is HF?
Hydrofluoric acid is extremely potent and dangerous. It can penetrate thick, calloused skin and even fingernails, causing extensive skin burns and scarring. A major exposure to concentrated HF can bind the body's calcium stores from the bones, causing seizures, bone destruction and death. Inhaling HF fumes can lead to pneumonia. A splash of HF in the eyes can cause destruction of the eye tissues and blindness.
What symptoms does hydrofluoric acid cause?
Pain is the major symptom. The onset of symptoms and the severity of the damage depend on the amount of exposure and the concentration of the HF. The stronger the concentration, the faster the symptoms appear. Strong solutions of the acid cause a quick onset of burning, redness and tissue damage. Symptoms may be delayed up to 24 hours after exposure to a less concentrated HF solution.
People using HF products while wearing leaking gloves can develop symptoms many hours later or even the next day. They have red, painful fingers with severe burning under the fingernails. The pain from the burn may be intense and treatment is difficult. Major exposures require treatment in an emergency room.
How can exposure be prevented?
Before you have a problem, check your supply of cleaning products for any rust removers, water spot stain removers, tar removers or mag wheel cleaners. Read these product labels carefully to see if they contain either hydrofluoric acid or ammonium bifluoride. Ammonium bifluoride is converted to hydrofluoric acid and can cause the same kind of problems.
Unfortunately, many labels are not clear and it may be difficult to determine the ingredients. If you are not sure, be safe and assume the worst. Treat these products with extreme respect and caution.
Because of the risk of an accidental spill or splash when using these products, take precautions: Wear protective clothing so bare skin is not exposed. Wear safety glasses or preferably, safety goggles. Wear good, heavy-duty rubber gloves that do not leak. Use these products only in a well-ventilated area. Keep children and pets away from areas where these products are stored or used.
The most obvious way to avoid exposure to HF is to avoid using or storing any HF cleaning products. Find safer cleaning substitutes or learn to live with the stains.
Get rid of old HF cleaning products through local toxic waste collection programs.
What if I get a skin splash from hydrofluoric acid?
Flood the affected area with large amounts of soap and water. Then call the Poison Center for advice. Call even if you aren't having any symptoms right away. Be safe, not sorry!