A man in China’s Guangdong province narrowly survived after suffering severe chemical burns from a drain-cleaning product containing hydrofluoric acid, a highly dangerous substance often found in industrial and household cleaning agents.
The incident occurred in Dongguan when the man was attempting to unclog a toilet at home. He was reportedly exposed to hydrofluoric acid, commonly known in Chinese as “bone-melting water” due to its ability to penetrate deep into human tissue and even damage bone.
According to medical reports, the victim’s condition deteriorated rapidly after the exposure. His blood calcium levels plunged to a life-threatening level, triggering two episodes of ventricular fibrillation — a severe heart rhythm disturbance that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Doctors revealed that the man suffered two cardiac arrests within just 30 minutes and required emergency defibrillation to restart his heart. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he remained hospitalised for 26 days before eventually recovering.
Medical experts explained that hydrofluoric acid differs from many common acids because it can easily penetrate skin and continue damaging tissues beneath the surface. Victims may initially experience only mild redness or little pain, making the exposure deceptively dangerous.
Once absorbed into the bloodstream, fluoride ions can bind with calcium and magnesium in the body, causing a sudden drop in blood calcium levels. This can result in muscle spasms, dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities and, in severe cases, death.
Despite its industrial reputation, hydrofluoric acid can also be found in certain household products marketed as heavy-duty cleaners. Some tile cleaners, limescale removers, rust removers and powerful drain-cleaning solutions may contain the chemical.
Medical professionals warned consumers to exercise extreme caution when handling such products and to wear appropriate chemical-resistant protective gloves.
Experts outlined three critical steps that should be taken if hydrofluoric acid exposure occurs:
First, immediately remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with large amounts of running water for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Second, apply 2.5 per cent calcium gluconate gel to the affected area if available, as it helps neutralise harmful fluoride ions. Experts cautioned against attempting to neutralise the acid with alkaline substances such as baking soda, as this may worsen burns through heat-generating chemical reactions.
Third, seek emergency medical treatment immediately, even if symptoms initially appear mild. Patients are advised to inform healthcare providers specifically that hydrofluoric acid exposure is suspected so that specialised treatment can begin without delay.
The case has reignited warnings about the hidden dangers of certain household cleaning products and the potentially fatal consequences of accidental exposure to hydrofluoric acid.
