Hydrogen fluoride

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Proprietary skin and eye irritation studies are available with the diluted substance.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

skin irritation: in vitro / ex vivo

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

an in vitro skin irritation study does not need to be conducted because adequate data from an in vivo skin irritation study are available

Justification for type of information:

Hydrogen fluoride is classified according to the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 as Skin Corrosion Category 1A, this classification is consistent with data reviewed. A waiver is therefore proposed for the skin irritation/corrosion endpoint in accordance with Annex VII, Standard information requirement 8.1, column 2 , of the REACH regulation. Additional testing for skin irritation/corrosion is therefore not required and is considered unjustified both scientifically and on animal welfare grounds.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (corrosive)

Eye irritation

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

eye irritation: in vitro / ex vivo

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

an in vitro eye irritation study does not need to be conducted because adequate data from an in vivo eye irritation study are available

Justification for type of information:

Hydrogen fluoride is classified according to the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 as Skin Corrosion Category 1A, This classification is consistent with data reviewed. A waiver is therefore proposed for the Serious eye damage/eye irritation endpoint in accordance with Annex VII, Standard information requirement 8.2, column 2, of the REACH regulation. Additional testing for serious eye damage/eye irritation is therefore not required and is considered unjustified both scientifically and on animal welfare grounds.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

data waiving: supporting information

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

Skin irritation

HF is classified as Corrosive (R35), therefore no studies are required. However some data are available and are reported. In a standard OECD 404 study performed with 5% hydrofluoric acid, Martins (1990) reports corrosive effects. Thyssen (1981) notes no local dermal effects in a study performed with 0.13% and 1.06% hydrofluoric acid. Wang et al report that 20% of HF was enough to cause skin damage in the rat and might bring about fatal hypocalcemia after a prolonged contact. High concentrations of HF (40%) caused deep tissue necrosis within a short time and resulted in fatal hypocalcemia within 24 hours even in the case of a small area injury. Klauder et al (1955) report no dermal reactions in rabbits resulting from application of 1%, 2% and 4% HF. Transitory blanching occurred at 6%, 8% and 10%. After application of 12%, 15% 18% and 22% crust formation appeared in about 24 hours at site of blanching and disappeared in about one week. Application of 25% and 30% caused blanching followed by redness, later crust formation. These effects were observed from 35% and 40% and in addition, blistering and superficial ulceration. These reactions were more pronounced from 50% concentration and were followed by deep ulceration. The EU RAR for HF also notes that, in humans, dermal contact with HF can cause second and third degree burns which are associated with severe pain and which heal very slowly.

Eye irritation

HF is classified as Corrosive (R35), therefore no studies are required. However some data are available and are reported. Thyssen (1981) notes no ocular effects with 0.13% hydrofluoric acid and moderate irritation with 1.06% hydrofluoric acid.

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: corrosive

Effects on eye irritation: corrosive

Justification for classification or non-classification

Hydrogen fluoride is classified according to the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 in Skin Corrosion Class 1A. This classification is consistent with the data reviewed and no change is proposed.