A 52-year-old woman in Hangzhou, China, died from heart and lung failure after accidentally stepping on a container of hydrofluoric acid while walking on a hillside, local media reported. The incident has sparked public concern regarding the disposal of hazardous materials.
The woman, surnamed tu, collapsed on September 9th after her shoe came into contact with the corrosive chemical, commonly referred to as ”bone-dissolving water” due to its ability to rapidly penetrate tissue and cause severe burns. She was immediately transported to a hospital where doctors steadfast she was suffering from multiple organ failure and a critical electrolyte imbalance. “The chances of saving her were already slim,” a doctor told The Paper, a mainland Chinese news outlet.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly dangerous chemical used in industrial processes like etching glass and cleaning metal.Even small exposures can be fatal, as it continues to cause internal damage long after initial contact. Tu succumbed to her injuries within five days of the incident.
The case has prompted calls for stricter regulations and oversight of hazardous waste management in the region, as authorities investigate the source of the discarded acid and potential negligence.The incident underscores the risks posed by improper disposal of industrial chemicals and the potential for severe consequences to public health.
