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Fluorine is a gaseous element, very active, strongly oxidizing. The compound with hydrogen (hydrogen fluoride) and other inorganic and organic combinations have many industrial applications.
Free hydrogen fluoride is released from fluorine compounds in the stomach. Fluoride in the body binds strongly to calcium and this can lead to a low level of calcium in the blood serum (hypocalcaemia) which may be life-threatening.
Symptoms of poisoning
The local action of fluoride and hydrogen fluoride on the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract is similar to the action of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, therefore the symptoms of poisoning with these compounds are similar. In general action, the difference lies in the reduced concentration of calcium in the blood, accompanying poisoning with fluoride and its compounds (tetany, cardiac dysfunction).
First aid
As in poisoning with chlorine and caustic acids.