Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Hydrogen Fluoride

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, Aqueous hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid, HF

UN Number

1052 (anhydrous) 1790 (solution)

Chemical Formula

HF

Hazards

Extremely corrosive, toxic, severe chemical burns

PPE Considerations

Vapor protective garment with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Use firefighting measure for surrounding exposures

Decontamination

Soap and water with adequate ventilation. Decontamination solution will be acidic

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric,

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless gas with pungent odor

Vapor Pressure

783 mm/Hg

Boiling Point

67^oF

Vapor Density

.69

Specific Gravity

1

Miscibility

Soluble

Flash Point

N/A

LEL/UEL

N/A

Auto Ignition Temperature

N/A

Routes of Exposure

IDLH

30 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

3/3/6 ppm

pH

N/A (may form acid in solution)

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Skin, respiratory hazard.  Toxic by all routes. 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Chemical burns, cardiac, tissue destruction

Medical Treatment

Treat symptomatically and administer antidote

Other Information

 Toxic by all routes

Chemical Structure