Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIVAR HYDROFLUORIC ACID 48-49%

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Dangerous POISON. Available ONLY for industrial and manufacturing purposes. To be used by
or in accordance with directions of accredited pest control officers. Operators to be
trained in procedures for safe use of material. Component of cleaners for aluminium, cast
iron, copper, brass. Chemical milling of titanium alloys; frosting and etching of glass.
Decomposition of cellulose; increasing porosity of ceramics.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  HIGHLY TOXIC.  and.  HIGHLY CORROSIVE.  The material is considered to be harmful by all exposure routes.  The liquid is extremely corrosive.  to the gastrointestinal tract.  and contact may cause tissue destruction.  with.  severe burns.  and may be.  fatal if swallowed unless immediate treatment is applied.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  Eye contact is extremely painful and may cause rapid corneal damage.  The liquid is extremely corrosive.  to the eyes.  and contact may cause rapid tissue destruction.  and is.  capable of causing severe damage with loss of sight.  The vapor is highly discomforting.  and.  corrosive.  capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately treated.  The material may produce severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce severely toxic effects; systemic effects may result following absorption and these may be fatal.  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  WARNING!  HIGHLY CORROSIVE.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  Solutions of hydrofluoric acid, as dilute as 2%, may cause severe skinburns.  The liquid is extremely corrosive.  to the skin.  and may rapidly cause.  ulceration.  and.  even.  may be fatal.  from a single acute exposure.  Fluorides are easily absorbed through the skin and cause death of soft tissue and erode bone. Healing is delayed and death of tissue may continue to spread beneath skin.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  The vapor is extremely discomforting.  to the upper respiratory tract and lungs.  and is.  harmful.  if inhaled.  and may be.  fatal.  if exposure is prolonged.  Acute effects of fluoride inhalation include irritation of nose and throat, coughing and chest discomfort. A single acute over-exposure may even cause nose bleed. Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis may be aggravated by exposure. Occupational asthma may result from exposure.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Considered toxic by all exposure routes.  Principal routes of exposure are usually by.  skin contact, eye contact.  with the material.  and.  inhalation of vapor.  Hydrogen fluoride easily penetrates the skin and causes destruction and corrosion of the bone and underlying tissue. Ingestion causes severe pains and burns in the mouth and throat and blood calcium levels are dangerously reduced. Symptoms include spasm and twitching of the muscles, high fever, convulsions and general extreme pain. Inhalation may cause corrosion of the throat, nose and lungs, leading to severe inflammation and lung swelling.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.