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Old 2015-03-31, 2:30pm
rnmcginnis rnmcginnis is offline
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Join Date: Jul 20, 2008
Location: Port Angeles, WA
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Concentrated hydrofluoric acid and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride gas are extremely dangerous because they are absorbed through the skin without an initial burning sensation. They can then react with bone, forming calcium fluoride and essentially dissolving bone, if not treated immediately.

Ammonium bifluoride solutions are less dangerous but should still be treated with respect. At a minimum gloves and safety glasses should be used. If it is splashed on the skin, it should be immediately rinsed off and neutralized with an mild alkaline material (baking soda, milk of magnesia, calcium carbonate,Tums, etc). Ammonium bifluoride solutions generally do not present an inhalation hazard since the hydrogen fluoride that is formed is very water soluble and has a low vapor pressure.

Roger
(Chemist in my day job)
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