title: Fatality due to acute fluoride poisoning following dermal contact with hydrofluoric acid in a palynology laboratory.
abstract: A fatal accident involving concentrated hydrofluoric acid in a palynological laboratory is described. Similar deaths due to dermal exposure to concentrated hydrofluoric acid have been reported in the literature. It is evident that rigorous control measures including proper personal protective equipment and first aid are of utmost importance in the prevention of death and injury when handling hydrofluoric acid. Possible factors that may have contributed to the accident are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: WorkSafe Western Australia, West Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muriale
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Genovese
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trend
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005459:Fluorides / Q000633:toxicity*; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D006801:Humans; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D007753:Laboratories; D008297:Male; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure
chemical_list: D005459:Fluorides; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid