A tragic incident in Hangzhou has raised serious concerns over the accessibility and dangers of highly toxic industrial chemicals. On September 14, a 52-year-old woman surnamed Tu passed away after coming into contact with hydrofluoric acid, a substance so dangerous it’s been dubbed “bone-melting water.”
The accident occurred just days earlier, on September 9, when Ms. Tu was walking near an open lot on Xianlin Middle Road. Unknowingly, she stepped on a substance that turned out to be hydrofluoric acid, causing her to collapse immediately.
Delayed Medical Treatment and Fatal Outcome
After the incident, Ms. Tu was reportedly turned away by two hospitals before finally being admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. There, doctors diagnosed her with hydrofluoric acid poisoning—a rare but extremely hazardous condition.
Despite being given aggressive medical care, including treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support her heart and lungs, her condition continued to deteriorate. She ultimately died in the early hours of September 14 due to heart and lung failure.
Hydrofluoric Acid: A Lethal but Poorly Understood Hazard
The case has drawn alarming parallels to the TV series Breaking Bad, where the fictional character Walter White famously uses hydrofluoric acid to dissolve human remains. While that portrayal is fictional, the real-life dangers of hydrofluoric acid are no less terrifying.
The chemical is highly corrosive and can penetrate the skin, destroy soft tissue, decalcify bones, and interfere with nerve function. Even small amounts can lead to systemic toxicity and often result in fatal outcomes if not treated immediately and properly.
Authorities Investigate Source; Site Neutralized
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the hydrofluoric acid ended up in a public area. The city’s environmental department has since neutralized the contaminated site to prevent further harm. Meanwhile, police continue their inquiry into the origin and handling of the chemical.
Wider Concerns Over Online Availability and Lack of Safety Measures
What makes this tragedy even more alarming is the ease with which hydrofluoric acid can be purchased online in China. Investigations reveal that e-commerce platforms are selling the chemical for as little as 8 yuan (approximately $1), often without proper safety warnings or usage instructions.
These listings typically market the acid for cleaning purposes, such as for glass, ceramics, or metals, but fail to highlight the extreme risks involved. While some suggest minimal precautions like “wearing gloves” or “washing with water if exposed,” they neglect to inform buyers about the need for protective masks, proper ventilation, or secure storage—all critical when handling such a toxic substance.
Call for Stricter Regulation to Prevent Future Tragedies
The untimely death of Ms. Tu is a stark warning about the dangers of industrial chemicals being so readily available to the general public without adequate safeguards. Experts and the public alike are urging Chinese authorities to enforce stricter regulations on the sale, distribution, and labeling of hazardous materials—particularly those that are easily accessible online.
Without stronger oversight, experts warn, similar tragedies could happen again.
