Hydrofluoric acid (HF) can burn through glass or concrete. Fluoride ions are absorbed through the skin, destroying tissue until they are sequestered in the bones. HF damage causes severe, long-term pain and slow-healing burns and can be deadly. Significant delays between exposure and symptom onset may occur.

Some possible complications of exposure

• Airway compromise and swelling in the respiratory tract
• Corneal perforation and blindness
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Burns may involve underlying bone
• Tissue destruction
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Scarring
• Loss of digits
• Penetrates fingernails and burns the pulp beneath without destroying nails. Treatment can require the removal of the nail