Hydrogen fluoride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, Aqueous hydrogen fluoride, HF-A, Hydrofluoric acidExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3) C 6 ppm (5 mg/m3) [15-minute]OSHA PEL
TWA 3 ppm See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless gas or fuming liquid (below 67°F) with a strong, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped in cylinders.]Molecular Weight
20.0Boiling Point
67°FFreezing Point
-118°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
783 mmHgIonization Potential
15.98 eVSpecific Gravity
1.00 (Liquid at 67°F)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NARelative Gas Density
0.69Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Metals, water or steam [Note: Corrosive to metals. Will attack glass and concrete.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption (liquid), ingestion (solution), skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema; eye, skin burns; rhinitis; bronchitis; bone changesTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, bonesPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (liquid)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact (liquid)
Wash skin:When contaminated (liquid)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (liquid)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash (liquid), Quick drench (liquid)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately (solution/liquid)
Skin:Water flush immediately (solution/liquid)
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately (solution)
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 30 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division