Ingestion of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid: An insidious and potentially fatal poisoning

Study objective: The purpose of this study was to provide the first descrip tion of the effects of ingestion of tow-concentration hydrofluoric acid in a population reported to a regional poison control center Methods: A retrospective analysis of data collected by trained personnel us ing a standardized data collection system was performed. All charts involvi ng hydrofluoric acid exposures for a 2-year period from a certified regiona l poison control center were identified by a computerized search. Each char t was abstracted by trained and blinded personnel. Results: There were 1,772 exposures to hydrofluoric acid; 135 involved inge stion. There were 99 cases of human hydrofluoric acid ingestion for analysi s. All ingestions involved consumer products containing 6% to 8% hydrofluor ic acid. Symptoms, most commonly mild gastrointestinal effects, were report ed by 49 patients. Two patients with minimal effects during an observation period of 2 to 4 hours deteriorated suddenly and died. All other patients r ecovered completely. Of 29 cases in which calcium concentrations were recor ded, 4 cases of hypocalcemia occurred. All patients who had major effects o r died were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces of hydrofluoric acid with suicidal intent. Death occurred precipitously in patients who had app eared well a few minutes earlier. Conclusion: Death occurred in 2 patients, both of whom were adults who had ingested more than 3 ounces with suicidal intent. Ingestion of a household product containing hydrofluoric acid is a potentially life-threatening cond ition that requires close monitoring and prompt therapy. The abrupt deterio ration and lack of warning signs indicate the need for better diagnostic me thods.