Prolongedsoaking in magnesium gluconate solution. Fluoride ion is a metabolic poison that eventually penetrates/kills tissues to substitute for hydroxide ions in bone. The magnesium chelates the fluoride ion, thus rendering unavailable as a metabolic poison if there is sufficient solution/agitation to rinse away the chelated (ion-pair) fluoride ion.
HF contact is not initially uncomfortable until many hours after contact. EVERY LAB in which HF is regularly used (in a hood) should have magnesium gluconate salve available in a container attached to the hood. Use the salve for any suspect skin contact, then seek medical attention for soaking in magnesium gluconate solution. Many institutions prohibit working alone (e.g., evening/off hours) with HF.
Preferably wear double gloves with gauntlets covering the cuff of the lab coat. Do not allow exposed wrists. Use proper technique for removing gloves to prevent skin contact. For routine, higher volume use, wear rubberized sleeves over the lab coat sleeves. Eye/face protection is essential.
Prevention of contact is much easier than post-contact treatment.
David Haugen
Argonne National Laboratory
From: "Ernest Lippert" <ernielippert**At_Symbol_Here**TOAST.NET>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 10:24:00 PM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Hydrofluoric acid burns
What is the current best protocol for the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns? Has the Honeywell publication "Recommended Medical Treatment for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure", Ver. 1.0, May 2000 been superseded?
Regards,
Ernest Lippert
