Citation

Poklis A. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 1995; 28(4): 271-276.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00085030.1995.10757487

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The case histories plus pathological and toxicological findings in two industrial workers who suffered fatal accidental contact and inhalation of hydrofluoric acid (HF) are presented. Both were white males, victim 1, 50 and victim 2, 60 years old. Despite advanced life support efforts victim 1 died 55 minutes and victim 2 within 90 minutes after arrival at the emergency room. In addition to chemical burns, the most significant findings at autopsy were markedly congested lungs. Toxicological findings in mg/L or mg/kg for victims 1 and 2 were: blood, 3.5 and 3.1; gastric contents, 4.6 and 5.2; kidney, 2.1 and 2.4; liver, 1.1 and 1.0; and lung, 1.9 and 1.4; respectively. Additionally, the toxicological findings in previously reported HF fatalities' are reviewed.