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Fatal hydrofluoric acid ingestion: a suicide case report
1Toxicology Consultants Inc., Carrollton, TX, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Hydrofluoric acid ingestion can be fatal, even without visible burns. Laboratory analysis confirmed death was due to high blood fluoride levels.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fluoride salts and hydrofluoric acid (HF) are known toxicants.
- Acute exposure to strong acids like HF typically causes severe chemical burns.
Observation:
- A case of suspected fatal hydrofluoric acid ingestion was investigated.
- The deceased individual did not exhibit the expected external burns upon examination.
Findings:
- Laboratory analysis revealed a significantly elevated blood fluoride concentration of 13 mg/L.
- This high fluoride level confirmed HF ingestion as the cause of death.
Implications:
- This case highlights that severe internal toxicity can occur without external signs of injury.
- Accurate laboratory diagnostics are crucial for determining cause of death in suspected poisoning cases.
- Forensic toxicologists must consider atypical presentations of HF poisoning.
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