Fatality due to acute hydrofluoric acid exposure

Although hydrofluoric acid burns are frequent, fatality is rare. In the case of massive exposure, the prognosis is generally poor. We present two fatal cases resulting from extensive exposure to hydrofluoric acid which produced acute systemic metabolic acidosis with profound hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Both patients died within three hours after the exposure. The current knowledge of treatment for severe hydrofluoric acid burns is reviewed and the importance of prevention and prompt recognition for proper treatment is emphasized.