Hydrofluoric acid readily penetrates the skin, allowing the fluoride ion to destroy soft tissue and decalcify bone. Inhalation of hydrofluoric acid gas or vapor can seriously damage lungs and may be fatal. In the event of hydrofluoric acid exposure to skin or eyes, immediately rinse with water for 15 minutes. Apply calcium gluconate gel, if available. If hydrofluoric acid is ingested or inhaled, call 911 immediately for medical attention.
Hydrofluoric acid reacts with glass, ceramics and some metals.
Solutions should be stored in polyethylene containers. Spills of hydrofluoric acid may be soaked up with compatible spill pillows such as PowerSorb or PolySorb. Phenol Phenol is commonly used in many laboratories at Princeton. It is irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, but has a local anesthetic effect, so that no pain may be felt on initial contact. Normally, skin contact will result in whitening of the skin, which may later develop into severe burns.