ECE409MaterialScience-MontanaStateUniversity.ppt

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hydrofluoric Acid Extremely dangerous liquid and vapor Causes severe burns which may not be immediately painful or visible Reaction with some metals causes release of hydrogen gas (always use under fume hood) Main active ingredient in BOE (Buffered Oxide Etch) used to etch silicon dioxide * Montana State University: Solar Cells Lecture 1: Introduction HF dermal exposure Highly corrosive Readily penetrates skin Causes deep tissue destruction Severity of symptoms depend on: Concentration Duration of exposure Penetrability of the exposed tissue Pain may be delayed * Montana State University: Solar Cells Lecture 1: Introduction HF concentration Less than 20% Erythema (redness) and pain maybe delayed 2-24 hours Often not reported until tissue damage is extreme 20%-50% Erythema (redness) and pain maybe delayed 1-8 hours Often not reported until tissue damage is extreme Greater than 50% Produces immediate erythema, pain and tissue damage * Montana State University: Solar Cells Lecture 1: Introduction Mechanism of HF toxicity Upon penetration into the body, HF dissociates into a hydrogen ion and fluoride ion The fluoride ion affects tissue by: Liquefaction Necrosis (kills the tissue by turning liquid) Decalcification (removes calcium, Hypocalcemia) Precipition of CaF2 in the blood Quickly fatal- important for cardiac muscles Destruction of bone Loss of calcium from bone as body tries to equilibrate serum calcium Produces insoluble salts * Montana State University: Solar Cells Lecture 1: Introduction HF Decontamination Remove all exposed clothing taking necessary precautions to prevent self exposure Immediately wash all exposed areas with copious amounts of water (15 minutes) Apply calcium gluconate or calcium carbonate gel Know where the calcium gluconate tube is kept If on hand place in clean room glove with generous amounts of gel If other areas rub generous amounts into burned area Only use on dermal areas All HF exposure req