Hydroflouric acid is used in extremely dilute concentrations as a
rust remover. It used to be quite common in bathroom rust removers.
There was a big discussion about this on the metalworking newsgroup
about a year ago. Some people can become completely hysterical about
it.
The bottom line is the dilute form in these cleaners won't hurt you,
but don't get any on you just the same.
I just noticed you're posting from Japan. The only knowledge I have
about HF acid is in U.S. products.
Kelley Mascher (206) 528-2713
Children's Hospital & Med. Center mascher@u.washington.edu
Audiology Research Seattle, Washington USA
On Thu, 6 Feb 1997, The Honjos wrote:
> Date: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 08:22:37 +0900
> From: The Honjos <fm7m-hnjy@asahi-net.or.jp>
> To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
> Subject: Hydrofluoric Acid
>
> This is a chemistry question.
>
> I picked up a bottle of chrome wire wheel cleaner and noticed that
> they contained phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid. In fact, I
> realize that most CWW cleaners have it. Now the phosphoric acid I
> understand -- it's a rust remover, and also provides a skin on top
> after the rust is removed. What does the hydrofluoric acid do?
>
> Regards
> Makoto Honjo
> Phone/Fax +81-3-3473-1848
>
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