A case is described in which three men, working with concentrated hydrofluoric acid, were found to have high post-shift urinary fluoride levels. The levels reached (group mean=1202 mg/l) exceeded that which has been shown in other studies to be sufficient to cause osteosclerosis. Environmental monitoring allowed identification of the source. This was dealt with by the installation of local exhaust ventilation and subsequently the urinary fluoride excretion of all three men returned to normal levels.The possibility of chronic fluorosis, a recognized hazard of inorganic fluoride exposure, occurring following exposure to hydrofluoric acid itself has received little attention. This case suggests that it can occur even in the presence of full occupational hygiene precautions against the acid's acute effects. The need for routine monitoring of urinary fluoride excretion in employees working with the acid is emphasized.
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