A recent fatal incident caused by hydrofluoric acid in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, has drawn widespread attention. On September 9, Ms. Tu accidentally stepped on discarded hydrofluoric acid while out. She was hospitalized but eventually passed away due to heart failure and respiratory arrest caused by poisoning.
Hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic chemical, might be closer to our daily lives than we think. It could be "hidden" in everyday cleaning products. How should first aid be administered upon contact?
What is Hydrofluoric Acid?
Hydrofluoric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF). It is classified as a "Hazardous Chemical - Acute Toxicity, Category 1" under the Specifications for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and can be fatal upon skin contact.
Due to its effectiveness in dissolving oxides, it is often added to certain household cleaners, such as glass cleaners, tile cleaners, and some unmarked "unregulated" products.
In January of this year, Mr. Zhong from Quanzhou, Fujian, was cleaning ceramic decals while wearing two layers of industrial cloth gloves and using cotton swabs dipped in hydrofluoric acid. However, as he did not use specialized rubber gloves and used a large amount, the hydrofluoric acid penetrated and burned his fingers.
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When encountering tanker or van trucks labeled with "Hazardous Goods" on the road, you should:
Maintain distance and reduce speed.
Signal early and keep a lateral distance when overtaking.
Take note of the type of hazardous material being transported to facilitate emergency self-help.
Avoid parking, smoking, or lingering near such vehicles.
How to Administer First Aid for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals?
Remember the principle: "Self-aid first, seek medical help quickly, and provide clear information."
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Flush the affected area with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. If it's a powder, gently brush it off first before flushing.
Inhalation of Gas: Quickly move to an area with fresh air. If symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing occur, rest and seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting or drink water arbitrarily. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
When seeking medical treatment, be sure to inform the healthcare providers of the chemical name, concentration, route of exposure, duration, and any measures already taken to valuable time for treatment.
