Harmful effects and acute lethal toxicity of intravenous administration of low concentrations of hydrofluoric acid in rats.

The acute toxicity of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) was investigated in a 24-h lethal dose study of intravenous infusion in rats. The lethal dose lowest (LDLo) and LD50 were 13.1 and 17.4mg/kg, respectively. Harmful systemic effects were also studied 1 h after acute sublethal exposure to HFA. The maximum dose was set at 9.6mg/kg (LD 5). Rats were injected with HFA (1.6, 3.2, 6.4 or 9.6mg/kg), saline, sodium fluoride (NaF) or HCl solution. NaF and HCl solution concentrations corresponded to the F— and H+ concentrations of 9.6mg/kg HFA. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Cr were significantly increased in response to HFA concentrations greater than 3.2mg/kg. Acute glomerular dysfunction also occurred at HFA concentrations greater than 3.2mg/kg. HCO 3 — and base excess (BE) were significantly decreased in the 6.4 and 9.6mg/kg groups. Ca2+ was significantly decreased, and K + was increased in the 9.6mg/kg group. BUN was significantly increased in the NaF and HFA groups and was increased in the HFA group compared with th...