A graduate student at Hokkaido University in Japan has died following an accident involving hydrofluoric acid. Two other students were harmed during the incident but are currently in a stable condition, according to a statement from the university.
The incident occurred at the university’s faculty of science in the morning of Thursday 27 August, with three students being transported to hospital. This included the student exposed to the acid, as well as two other students who sustained minor injuries while attempting to help. The university has confirmed that the graduate student exposed to hydrofluoric acid died at the hospital.
Hydrofluoric acid solution is a highly corrosive and poisonous substance that can penetrate the skin and interfere with nerve function. In some cases, doctors can treat hydrofluoric acid poisoning with calcium gluconate injections or calcium chloride infusions, which trap the fluoride ions that can cause severe tissue damage. However, this depends heavily on the scale of the exposure and the speed with which it is treated.
In its statement, Hokkaido University extended its sympathies to the deceased student’s family, adding that it is taking the tragic accident extremely seriously.
‘The loss of a student’s precious life in an accident of this nature at a university, where education and research should be conducted in a safe environment, is a matter of profound concern,’ the university said. ‘We are currently investigating the cause and circumstances of the accident in cooperation with the relevant authorities. Taking this incident with the utmost seriousness, the university will make every effort to determine the cause of the accident.’
The university said that it will provide further information as it becomes available.
