It is readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and may be absorbed by inhalation if in the form of a dust. Although it is not absorbed through the unbroken skin, it may be absorbed through cuts or abrasions. It appears to interfere with acetate metabolism by blocking the Krebs cycle leading to accumulation of citric acid. The first indication of poisoning is nausea and mental apprehension with facial twitching and numbness, generally followed by epileptiform convulsions. After a period of several hours pulsus alternans may exist followed by ventricular fibrillation and death.
Children appear to be more subject to cardiac arrest than to ventricular fibrillation.
The presence of the compound in blood and tissues is indicative of absorption. If ingested, vomiting should be induced immediately followed by gastric lavage with two to four litres of tap water and instillation of 15-30 g of saline cathartic. Artificial respiration with the assistance of oxygen may be required. Clinical Handbook on Economic Poisons, U.S. Publ. Toxic Aliphatic Fluorine Compounds , Elsevier Monographs, Amsterdam, London, New York, Princeton, Appendix III, pp.