By Mallika Soni,News18
Copyright news18
A 52-year-old woman in China died after accidentally stepping on a discarded container of hydrofluoric acid, a chemical commonly referred to as “bone-dissolving water,” the South China Morning Post reported.
The woman, surnamed Tu, collapsed after treading on the acid while walking across a hillside near a residential compound slated for demolition in Hangzhou. The corrosive chemical burned through her skin, causing severe swelling and triggering a chain of health complications.
Doctors said Tu developed multiple organ failure and a serious electrolyte imbalance. Despite intensive treatment, she died within five days from heart and lung failure. Her child later posted online, “My mum left us in a way we could not comprehend, and so quickly. I hope there are no accidents in heaven.”
The case ignited public outrage on Chinese social media with one user writing, “Why was such a dangerous chemical left on the road? Police need to investigate thoroughly and give the victim an explanation.”
Hydrofluoric acid is a colourless but highly corrosive solution capable of penetrating skin, corroding tissue and bone and causing fatal internal damage. Even minor exposure can be life-threatening. The chemical is used in industries such as glass etching, rust removal and surface treatments. While concentrations above 30% are strictly regulated in China, weaker versions can still be purchased online for as little as 10 to 40 yuan (US$1–6).
