Mexichem worker dies in HF exposure incident

USA: One worker has died and another hospitalised after being accidentally exposed to hydrofluoric acid (HF) at Koura’s Mexichem Fluor refrigerant plant in St Gabriel, Louisiana.

According to a company statement, the accidental chemical exposure occurred on Tuesday morning. Two employees were treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital, where one of the employees later died. 

“All other employees and contractors were safely accounted for and there was no environmental impact to the surrounding community. The condition that caused the exposure has been contained,” the company said.

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic solution of hydrogen fluoride in water used for a number of industrial purposes including the manufacture of HFC refrigerants.