I've been doing some glass etching today and yesterday using an etchant based on ammonium bifluoride.
The procedure is this:
Cover the glass with adhesive paper
Draw the desired design on said adhesive paper
Cut out the design using a sharp knife
Cover the entire surface with etchant
Wait
Wash off the etchant
Wait until dry
Remove the paper.
As I was washing off the etchant, it came into contact with unprotected skin. I've been feeling mostly fine for these two days. What are the symptoms
of acute fluoride poisoning?
[Edited on 14-3-2018 by Volitox Ignis]
[Edited on 14-3-2018 by Volitox Ignis]ninhydric1 - 14-3-2018 at 16:44
It depends on the quantity and the period of time it came in contact with your skin. If you really are afraid, see a doctor.woelen - 14-3-2018 at 23:58
Very intense pain after a few hours . . . but if your exposure was already two days ago and you did not feel any discomfort, then I think you are
fine. Your exposure then was small and no noticeable adverse effects can be observed. Next time, be more careful!
Fortunately, fluoride salts are MUCH less severe than the free hydrofluoric acid. Ammonium bifluoride has nearly all fluoride in the form of F(-) or
HF2(-) ions, which are much less likely to pentetrate your skin than undissociated HF. But still, fluoride salt solutions also must be treated with
great respect.Fulmen - 15-3-2018 at 01:03
I think Woelen is right, the effects should be noticeable within hours.
I remember my teacher telling a story of working with fluorides. He spilled some solution on the bench, which he then got on his clothes when he
leaned against it. Right in the groin area. Ouch! DrP - 15-3-2018 at 03:25
He spilled some solution on the bench, which he then got on his clothes when he leaned against it. Right in the groin area. Ouch!
8-/ I think it has been said many times before... but our hobby/profession requires that we wash our hands BEFORE going to the toilet as well as
after. lol
I am pretty OCD about washing my hands before touching my thang - even though I wear glove all the time - even for stuff that is harmless.
PS - and I agree - you would have noticed it by now if it had harmed you imo.
