Abstract
Automatic fire suppression systems (FSSs) use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to chemically extinguish fires. At high temperatures, HFC can release hydrogen fluoride (HF), a toxic and potentially lethal gas. We report the deaths of three U.S. military personnel at Bagram Air Base from acute respiratory failure after the FSS in their vehicle received a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite presenting with little to no additional signs of trauma, these individuals all died within 24 hours from HF-induced respiratory failure. When two patients later presented with similar symptoms after damage to their vehicle’s FSS, they were aggressively treated with nebulized calcium and positive pressure ventilation. Both survived. The presence of HFC-containing FSSs in military vehicles may lead to future cases of HF inhalation injury, and further research must be done to help rapidly diagnose and effectively treat this injury.
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The effects of the inhalation of hydrogen fluoride. I. The response following exposure to high concentrations.
The effects of inhalation exposure to hydrogen-fluoride (7664-39-3) (HF) were examined in New-Zealand-white-rabbits and guinea-pigs. Animals were exposed to HF in enclosed chambers at concentrations ranging from 8 to 0.024 milligrams per liter (mg/l) for 5 minutes to 41 hours. Mortality rates were recorded, general physical conditions were monitored, and
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On the Physiological and Medicinal Action of Hydrofluoric Acid and the Fluorides.
EXCERPTS: General Summary. 1. On account of the corrosive action of these substances on glass vessels their use in ordinary therapeutics seems beset by many difficulties. But by attending to a few precautions these obstacles can be so minimized as to be practically overcome. 2. The topical action of strong hydrofluoric acid differs
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Respiratory and ocular symptoms in workers exposed to potassium aluminium-tetrafluoride soldering flux
BACKGROUND: Exposure to aluminium compounds, such as fluorides in gaseous and particulate form, places people who work in potrooms at risk for respiratory symptoms. Workers in potrooms, however, also are exposed to a number of other air contaminants. In this study, we present the first report of a dose-response relationship
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Spirometry changes due to prolonged exposure to high level of fluoride in drinking water
Introduction: fluorosis is dental and skeletal tissue changes due to increase fluoride exposure this can also result in systemic and biochemical changes. Pulmonary involvement is established as a result of toxic exposure to inhaled fluoride however animal studies have shown that chronic fluorosis causes by ingested fluoride can cause marked
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A longitudinal study of respiratory symptoms in aluminum potroom workers
The influence of occupational work exposure and host factors on the incidence of dyspnea and wheezing as reported in questionnaires was examined in 1,301 new employees in aluminum electrolytic potrooms. The incidence appeared to decrease after 2 yr of exposure, and the estimated probability of development of symptoms was nearly
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Fluoride Enhances Toxicity of Beryllium
Occupational exposure to beryllium is well-documented to put workers' health at risk. The two principal targets of beryllium poisoning are the respiratory system and the skin. Of all beryllium compounds, beryllium fluoride complexes (including beryllium fluoride and beryllium oxyfluoride) appear to be the most toxic. As shown below, studies dating back
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Respiratory Risks from Occupational Fluoride Exposure
Starting in the 1930s, scientists have observed that workers exposed to airborne fluorides suffer from an elevated rate of respiratory disorders. For over 50 years, however, US government and industry scientists made repeated assurances that the allowable level of fluoride dusts and gases in industrial workplaces would not cause any
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