TY - JOUR T1 - Analysis of the impact on respiratory tract by accidental leak of hydrofluoric acid JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P4960 AU - Hun Gyu Hwang AU - Myung Shin Kim AU - Gune Il Lim AU - Seong Yong Yoon Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4960.abstract N2 - PURPOSE : The purpose of this study is to identify the acute and chronic influence of hydrofluoric acid spill on respiratory tract in community, which occurred on Sep 27, 2012. METHODS: In first period of study, a total of 1,364 patients were included between Oct 2012 and Jan 2013. In second period of study, between Feb 2013 and Jun 2013, 141 patients underwent detailed examination and received questionnaires. Degree of exposure were evaluated on the basis of environmental factors retrospectively. Pulmonary function test and radiologic examination were included. RESULTS: Of 141 patients, 69(48.9%) patients were high-exposed, 41(29.1%) moderate, 24(17.0%) low, and 7(5.0%) none, according to the degree of exposure to hydrofluoric acid. Symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and phlegm were found in 83 patients(58.9%). The level of exposure was significantly associated with dyspnea and phlegm which patients complained of (p<0.05). There was trend which symptom of cough increased in high-exposed group. Of the 28(19.9%) patients with dyspnea in the first period of study, only 6(4.3%) patients had dyspnea in the second stage. Phlegm remained 21(14.9%) patients in second period compared with 41(29.1%) patients in first period of study. Cough of which 63(44.7%) patients complained remained only in 15(10.6%) patients in second period. No significant change of Pulmonary function and radiologic finding were found in moderate to high exposed groups. CONCLUSION:Dyspnea and cough with which patients frequently in high-exposed group presented, decreased within 6 months of hydrofluoric acid spill. In about half of patients with phegm, symptoms remaind in 6 months, which need to be managed and observed. ER -