Citation

Zhang Y, Wang X, Sharma K, Mao X, Qiu X, Ni L, Han C. Burns 2015; 41(7): 1593-1598.

Affiliation

Department of Burns & Wound Care Centre, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2015.04.002

PMID

26188892

Abstract

Hydrofluoric acid is a dangerous inorganic acid that can cause local corrosion and systemic effects by ongoing absorption via the skin, mucosae, respiratory tract and digestive system. Recently, a serious toxic leak of low-concentration hydrofluoric acid solution occurred in the Pujiang area of Zhejiang Province, China. This accident resulted in 253 cases of chemical injury due to hydrofluoric acid exposure. Despite an immediate response by the local and provincial health-care system, as well as the local government, three people died due to acute poisoning and related complications. This article describes the events that took place leading to casualties as well as presenting the first-aid experience and the lessons learnt from this kind of mass injury.

Language: en