[Chemical burn caused by hydrofluoric acid in Kaohsiung area--a 5-year experience]

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) has been used extensively in industry and laboratory, and also is a common agent for occupational chemical burn. Severe pain and destruction of deep tissue layers occurred when skin was injured by hydrofluoric acid. Some fatal change may happen especially when hydrocalcemia was induced. For presentation of its special character and the use of antidote, we report one outbreak and six individual victims of hydrofluoric acid injury during the previous 5 years in Kaohsiung area. We hope medical personnel could have more accurate management and clinical care for those who are injured by HF, and workers should pay attention to any chemical agents they use to prevent any further injury as a result of careless use of such chemicals.