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Hydrofluoric acid burn: a case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Roohi Qureshi ,
Ronald House ,
Eric Uhlig ,
Leon Genesove  and
D. Linn Holness
Roohi Qureshi
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Ronald House*
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Eric Uhlig
Affiliation:
Toronto
Leon Genesove
Affiliation:
Ontario Ministry of Labour
D. Linn Holness
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
*
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto ON M5B 1W8; fax 416 867-3673, houser@smh.toronto.on.ca

Abstract:

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A case of occupational hydrofluoric acid exposure is presented, accentuating the importance of eliciting an occupational history during the initial emergency department evaluation. Patients who present with major hydrofluoric acid burns are at risk for systemic complications, including potentially fatal hypocalcemia. Information regarding the accident and workplace circumstances may well allow the physician to anticipate the exposed patient’s course. These patients should be considered occupational index cases that will require follow up by government occupational health services. Identification of potential hazards, risk assessment and enforcement of recommendations for change (such as engineering controls, personal protective equipment, education) may be key to preventing similar injuries in the future.

Keywords

hydrofluoric acid burnoccupational exposureindex case
Type
Toxicology • Toxicologie
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 4 , Issue 4 , July 2002 , pp. 292 - 295
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2002

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