The Dangers of Hydrogen Fluoride:
The June 2019 stunning explosions at an oil refinery in Southwest Philadelphia injured five employees, drove up gas prices and alarmed city residents. But even more concerning were reports from the Environmental Protection Agency that the refinery complex was storing 420,000 pounds of hydrogen fluoride. Thankfully, the chemical wasn’t released. If it had been, thousands of nearby residents would have been in danger. But what happened in Philadelphia has raised questions about why this dangerous chemical isn’t being regulated.
What is Hydrogen Fluoride?
Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound that can exist as a colorless gas or a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water. When combined with water, hydrogen fluoride is known as hydrofluoric acid. It is used to make refrigerants, herbicides, aluminum, fluorescent light bulbs, and high-octane gasoline, among other things. Hydrogen fluoride can pass quickly and easily through the skin and tissues of the body causing damage and cellular dysfunction. Exposure can cause severe burns and ulcers on the skin and damage lung tissue, cause inflammation, swelling, and fluid accumulation or pulmonary edema. Inhalation can quickly become fatal, causing internal hemorrhaging and cardiac arrest.In the 149-year old Philadelphia refinery, the explosions occurred in the alkylation unit, where hydrogen fluoride was used to convert butane into heavier hydrocarbons that increase the octane rating of gas. According to reports of the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Reuters, the alkylation unit was basically destroyed, making it close to miraculous that no hydrogen fluoride escaped.
Regulation of Hydrogen Fluoride
While the oil industry can produce high octane gas through safer methods, many companies have balked at the cost of changing their processes. However, refineries in Utah and Louisiana recently switched to alkylation units using safer catalysts such as advanced sulfuric acid and ionic liquids that will not vaporize and injure people in the event of an accident.Industry lobbyists, such as those from the American Chemical Council and the American Petroleum Institute, are pushing the EPA to begin the process of rolling back Obama-era rules that would require refineries to evaluate safer technology. If this happens, environmental regulations will be heading in the wrong direction, putting corporate profits ahead of public safety.If you or a loved one has been exposed to hydrogen fluoride and become sick, consult a doctor immediately and call our office with any questions. We have been helping victims of toxic exposure since 1972. Call 888-910-6376 or contact us at /contact/ for a free, no obligation consultation.
