NIOSH logo and tagline

Hydrofluoric acid

RTECS #
MW7875000
CAS #
7664-39-3
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
December 2018
Molecular Weight
20.01
Molecular Formula
FH
Synonyms
Acide fluorhydrique (French)
Acido fluoridrico (Italian)
Fluorowodor (Polish)
Fluorwasserstoff (German)
Fluorwaterstof (Dutch)
Hydrofluoride
Hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride (ACGIH:OSHA)
RCRA waste number U134
Rubigine

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /human 50 mg severeAMLTAS 37,110,1957
skin /rat 50%/3M severeJTCTDW 40,861,2002

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisinhalation/rat1 mg/m3/6H/24D- intermittentCYGEDX 9(1),40,1975
DNA Damageinhalation/Drosophila melanogaster1300 ppb/6WATENBP 5,117,1971
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctioninhalation/Drosophila melanogaster2900 ppbFLUOA4 4,25,1971

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 470 µg/m3/4H (1-22D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Pre- implantation mortality (e.g., reduction in number of implants per female; total number of implants per corpora lutea)

Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)
GTPZAB 19(3),57,1975
inhalation/rat 4980 µg/m3/4H (1-22D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal deathGTPZAB 19(3),57,1975

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration Low: 5 pph/3MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTOLED5 248,25,2016
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration Low: 30 pph/3MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitro

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays
TOLED5 248,25,2016
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration Low: 50 pph/10MIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell Viability (cell death), unspecified assay

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitro

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays
TOLED5 248,25,2016
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 25 mg/m3/5HVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/guinea pig lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 4327 ppmENTOX* -,542,2005
inhalation/guinea pig lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 4327 ppm/15MEye: Lacrimation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
AIHAAP 24,253,1963
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 40 mg/m3/2HVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 50 ppm/30M34ZIAG -,318,1969
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 200 mg/m3VCVN5* -,350,1993
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 25 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough

Eye: Conjunctiva irritation
VCVN5* -,350,1993
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) lowest published toxic concentration: 8 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: CoughVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) lowest published toxic concentration: 0.03 mg/m3Eye: Other eye effectsVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/man lowest published toxic concentration: 100 mg/m3/1MOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Eye: Conjunctiva irritation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough
JIDHAN 16,129,1934
inhalation/monkey lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 1774 ppm/1HBehavioral: Coma

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cyanosis

Gastrointestinal: Other changes
AMRL** TR-70-77,1970
inhalation/monkey lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 1774 ppmENTOX* -,542,2005
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 263 ppm/1HTOXID9 78,149,2004
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 342 ppmENTOX* -,542,2005
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 342 ppm/1HEye: Corneal damage

Eye: Other eye effects

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea
JCTODH 3,61,1976
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 5000 mg/m3/5MVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 270 mg/m3/60MVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 40 mg/m3/2HVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 260 mg/m3/7HAMIHBC 2,716,1950
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 25 mg/m3/5HVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 148 mg/m3/6HOlfaction: Other olfaction effectsVCVN5* -,349,1993
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 1276 ppmENTOX* -,542,2005
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 1276 ppm/1HEye: Lacrimation

Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)

Gastrointestinal: Changes in structure or function of salivary glands
AIHAAP 33,661,1972
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 1100 mg/m3/60MVCVN5* -,349,1993
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published lethal dose: 25 mg/kgTXAPA9 13,76,1968
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 25 mg/kgENTOX* -,542,2005
intravenous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 17.4 mg/kgTIHEEC 23,5,2007
intravenous/rat lowest published lethal dose: 13.1 mg/kgTIHEEC 23,5,2007
intravenous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 3.2 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Renal function tests depressed

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: P
TIHEEC 23,5,2007
intravenous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 6.4 mg/kgEndocrine: Hyperglycemia

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: Ca

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: Metabolic acidosis
TIHEEC 23,5,2007
intravenous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 9.6 mg/kgEndocrine: Hyperglycemia

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: K

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: Metabolic acidosis
TIHEEC 23,5,2007
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 143 mg/kgCardiac: Arrythmias (indlucing changes in conduction)

Vascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)
JTCTDW 35,307,1997
skin/mouse lowest published lethal dose: 500 mg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Behavioral: Tremor

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
SAIGBL 17,281,1975
subcutaneous/frog lowest published lethal dose: 112 mg/kgCRSBAW 124,133,1937

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 0.15 mg/m3/24H/78W- continuousMusculoskeletal: Changes in teeth and supporting structuresVCVN5* -,350,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 300 µg/m3/24H/22W- continuousBehavioral: Alteration of classical conditioning

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: True cholinesterase
GISAAA 30(5),11,1965
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 252 µg/m3/6H/17W- intermittentBlood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Monoamine oxidase

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Dehydrogenases
GISAAA 41(5),6,1976
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 72 mg/m3/3H/3D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldVCVN5* -,349,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/24H/4D- continuousBlood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)VCVN5* -,349,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.5 mg/m3/24H/17W- continuousMusculoskeletal: Changes in teeth and supporting structuresVCVN5* -,350,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 42.3 mg/m3/24H/6W- continuousMusculoskeletal: Changes in teeth and supporting structuresVCVN5* -,350,1989
subcutaneous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 364 mg/kg/26W- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Musculoskeletal: Changes in teeth and supporting structures

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
FKIZA4 50,1397,1959

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-TVA 0.5 ppm;ceiling concentration 2 ppmDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 2.5 mg(F)/m3DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJEMME* 10,163,1992
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWAMSSAQ 400,5,1963
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWDIMON* 46,551,2000
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,542,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,683,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWISMEA* 10,381,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCCACL* 21,719,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWREPTED 29,1,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 54,247,2009

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,131,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypttime-weighted average 2 ppm (2 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAceiling concentration 3 ppm (2.6 mg(F)/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg/m3);KZW 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 2.5 mg(F)/m3, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECtime-weighted average 1.5 mg/m3 (1.8 ppm);short term exposure limit 2.5 mg/m3 (3 ppm), JUN2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), VLE 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 1 ppm (0.83 mg/m3), 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 1.5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 2.5 mg/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 2.5 mg(F)/m3, short term exposure limit 10 mg(F)/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 0.7 ppm (0.6 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANceiling concentration 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAceiling concentration 3 ppm (2.5 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOpeak 3 ppm (2.5 mg(F)/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 2.5 mg(F)/m3, 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDceiling concentration 3 ppm (2.6 mg(F)/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 2.5 mg(F)/m3, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 0.8 ppm (0.6 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 1,8 ppm (1,5 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 3 ppm (2,5 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) 0.5 mg/m3, MAC(short term exposure limit) 4 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAtime-weighted average 0.1 mg(F)/m3, short term exposure limit 0.5 mg(F)/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENceiling concentration 2 ppm (1.7 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 1 mg(F)/m3, KZG-week 4 mg(F)/m3, inhal, skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 1 ppm (0.83 mg/m3), KZG-week 2 ppm (1.66 mg/m3), JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 1.8 ppm (1.5 mg(F)/m3);short term exposure limit 3 ppm (2.5 mg(F)/m3), OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg(F)/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 3 ppmCFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 3 ppm (2 mg(F)/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO HYDROGEN FLUORIDE-air10H time-weighted average 3 ppm;short term exposure limit 6 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 38550; Number of Industries 96; Total Number of Facilities 11332; Number of Occupations 89; Total Number of Employees Exposed 189051; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 68792
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 38550; Number of Industries 97; Total Number of Facilities 6590; Number of Occupations 68; Total Number of Employees Exposed 68886

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/93/182566/AS)
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: D melanogaster Sex-linked lethal
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Acids, inorganic, 7903
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #ID110
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018