C-Gel is a topical 2.5% calcium gluconate gel used in the first aid treatment of skin burns caused by exposure to hydrofluoric acid. It is also commonly known as HF antidote gel. The immediate application of this calcium gluconate gel to the burn site can significantly reduce deep tissue and bone damage. C-Gel should be readily available in all workplaces that involve exposure to hydrofluoric acid, no matter what further safety measures are put in place.
Calcium gluconate gel works by reacting with hydrofluoric acid to form insoluble calcium fluoride. This prevents the extraction of calcium from the body tissues and bones, which can lead to bone and deep tissue damage, and even cardiac arrest. Please note that all hydrofluoric acid burns require full medical evaluation, even when treated using calcium gluconate gel.
This HF antidote gel is supplied in portable 40g tubes. These tubes are the ideal to be carried around by employees within the workplace at all times. This is particularly important when working in the presence of hydrofluoric acid since exposure to dilute forms may not be apparent immediately. Severe pain may be experienced hours later when severe tissue damage is irreversible. This is why all cases of skin exposure to hydrofluoric acid demand immediate first aid, whether the individual is in pain or not.
Key features of C-Gel include:
- Vital in the first aid treatment of HF acid burns
- Significantly reduces deep tissue and bone damage
- Chemically reacts with HF acid to form calcium fluoride preventing harm
- Sold in a convenient 40g tube
We highly recommend that one tube of HF antidote gel is kept within the workplace with each employee also possessing their own personal tube and a further tube at home in case of a delayed reaction. C-Gel has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture.
