Hydrofluoric acid

Overview

Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless liquid that has a strong irritating odor. It is used to etch and polish glass; clean surfaces such as stone, brick, and marble; and make pesticides, plastics, and fuels. HF is also used in cleaners and wax removers to clean farm equipment, spoke wheels, and walls inside drive-through car washes.

HF is dangerous because it is easily absorbed by unprotected skin. HF can cause severe burns, which are painful and slow to heal. If you get HF on your skin, you may not be aware of pain or burning until hours after the exposure. HF, even at low concentrations, can be hazardous.