Combined acute inhalation of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid: a case report and literature review

Abstract

We describe a nonlethal, delayed onset case of combined acute inhalation of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) and nitric acid (NA) together with a review of the literature. Our patient was exposed to fumes of a 12% HFA and 22% NA solution in a closed environment and suffered during several months after the incident from exertional dyspnoea but recovered completely. Since HFA and NA are dangerous and widely used substances, preparedness for exposure is mandatory. After inhalational exposure, the principles of decontamination with attention to treatment of the skin for HFA burns together with general medical incident management should be applied. The severity of combined NA and HFA intoxication depends on the concentration, the nature of the contact and the duration of exposure but other factors may also be involved. Therapy resistant hypoxia and death have been reported in the literature. Inhalation injury from HFA alone is rare but systemic toxicity should be anticipated. Calcium is advocated as the cornerstone of local and systemic therapy. NA inhalation alone is very rare and causes heavy pulmonary irritation. Massive pulmonary secretions seem a sign of very severe intoxication and treatment appears to be mainly supportive.