Ingestion of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid: an insidious and potentially fatal poisoning.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to provide the first description of the effects of ingestion of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid in a population reported to a regional poison control center.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of data collected by trained personnel using a standardized data collection system was performed. All charts involving hydrofluoric acid exposures for a 2-year period from a certified regional poison control center were identified by a computerized search. Each chart was abstracted by trained and blinded personnel.


RESULTS
There were 1,772 exposures to hydrofluoric acid; 135 involved ingestion. There were 99 cases of human hydrofluoric acid ingestion for analysis. All ingestions involved consumer products containing 6% to 8% hydrofluoric acid. Symptoms, most commonly mild gastrointestinal effects, were reported by 49 patients. Two patients with minimal effects during an observation period of 2 to 4 hours deteriorated suddenly and died. All other patients recovered completely. Of 29 cases in which calcium concentrations were recorded, 4 cases of hypocalcemia occurred. All patients who had major effects or died were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces of hydrofluoric acid with suicidal intent. Death occurred precipitously in patients who had appeared well a few minutes earlier.


CONCLUSIONS
Death occurred in 2 patients, both of whom were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces with suicidal intent. Ingestion of a household product containing hydrofluoric acid is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring and prompt therapy. The abrupt deterioration and lack of warning signs indicate the need for better diagnostic methods.
Kao
W F
WF
Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA.
Dart
R C
RC
Kuffner
E
E
Bogdan
G
G
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000506:poisoning*; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid