Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
09:15
Light Enhanced Hydrofluoric Acid Passivation: A Sensitive Technique for Detecting Bulk Silicon Defects
Published on: January 4, 2016
Hydrofluoric acid burns: a 15-year experience.
Lance E Stuke1, Brett D Arnoldo, John L Hunt
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital Burn Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9158, USA.
Summary
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns, though common, are typically small and manageable with calcium gluconate gel. This study found no significant morbidity or deaths, indicating effective treatment protocols for HF chemical burns.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
- Burn Management
Background:
- Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a prevalent chemical agent causing severe burns in industrial and domestic settings.
- Management of HF burns remains a subject of clinical debate.
- This study reviews a 15-year experience with HF burn treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical experience and outcomes of managing hydrofluoric acid burns.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment protocols for HF-induced injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 35 patients admitted with hydrofluoric acid burns between 1990 and 2005.
- Primary treatment involved topical calcium gluconate gel.
- Arterial calcium infusion and fingernail removal were reserved for refractory cases.
Main Results:
- Hydrofluoric acid burns constituted 17% of chemical burns (35/204) during the study period.
- The mean burn size was 2.1%, predominantly affecting the upper extremity (83%).
- No deaths, operative interventions, or electrolyte abnormalities were reported; hospital stays were short (mean 1.6 days).
Conclusions:
- Hydrofluoric acid burns, while requiring hospital admission for treatment, are generally small and do not lead to significant long-term morbidity or mortality.
- Standard treatment with calcium gluconate is effective, with advanced interventions reserved for severe cases.
- Prompt management can prevent severe complications associated with hydrofluoric acid exposure.
Related Concept Videos
03:27Mixtures of Acids
The pH of a solution containing an acid can be determined using its acid dissociation constant and its initial concentration. If a solution contains two different acids, then its pH can be determined using one of several methods depending upon the relative strength of the acids and their dissociation constants.
A Mixture of a Strong Acid and a Weak Acid
In a mixture of a strong acid and a weak acid, the strong acid dissociates completely and becomes a source of almost all the hydronium ions...
A Mixture of a Strong Acid and a Weak Acid
In a mixture of a strong acid and a weak acid, the strong acid dissociates completely and becomes a source of almost all the hydronium ions...
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:21Acid Attack on Concrete
When acids come into contact with concrete, they initiate a chemical reaction that dissolves the hydrated cement paste. This process leads to softening and structural weakening of the concrete. This issue is commonly observed in environments such as chimneys, sewers, and industrial settings. The severity of the damage increases as the pH of the water interacting with the concrete drops below 6.5. In particular, a pH under 4.5 can cause significant concrete damage.
The rate at which hydrogen...
The rate at which hydrogen...
02:45Calculating pH Changes in a Buffer Solution
A buffer can prevent a sudden drop or increase in the pH of a solution after the addition of a strong acid or base up to its buffering capacity; however, such addition of a strong acid or base does result in the slight pH change of the solution. The small pH change can be calculated by determining the resulting change in the concentration of buffer components, i.e., a weak acid and its conjugate base or vice versa. The concentrations obtained using these stoichiometric calculations can be used...
01:29Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...
04:02Weak Acid Solutions
Few compounds act as strong acids. A far greater number of compounds behave as weak acids and only partially react with water, leaving a large majority of dissolved molecules in their original form and generating a relatively small amount of hydronium ions. Weak acids are commonly encountered in nature, being the substances partly responsible for the tangy taste of citrus fruits, the stinging sensation of insect bites, and the unpleasant smells associated with body odor. A familiar example of a...