On reflection, I do realise that some may see what I have written about Hydrofluoric Acid above, as being over the top.
But most folk will assume that it's just the same in use, as any other mineral/inorganic acid.
Which is true, with regards to its acid properties as a Class 8, 'Corrosive', Dangerous Good.
But not with regards to its hazards to health.
It is in fact a most insidious poison, and by the time any symptoms are apparent, the major damage is done.
And with low level exposure over time, it may be difficult or impossible to trace the injury to its cause.
One HF case study I'm aware of, was that of a CSIRO worker on high vacuum equipment, who developed non-healing sores on one finger. A regular task he performed was that of replacing degraded 'Viton' o-ring vacuum seals, which had decomposed from exposure to heat.
The injury was only tracked down to hydrofluorosis, because it was revealed that this was the finger he always used, ungloved, to scratch out the o-ring seating grooves to clean them. 'Viton' is a fluorinated elastomer, and HF is one of its thermal decomposition products.
Why was there this level of investigative effort?
He had to have the finger amputated, after it became infected - with gangrene bacteria [Clostridium perfringens]. Which is life-threatening, if the gangrenous tissue is not excised.
