The Danger of Hydrofluoric Acid

Hydrofluoric acid is a deadly and highly toxic chemical that should be kept FAR AWAY from our homes, schools and the Kern River – it has no place in Bakersfield!

When hydrofluoric acid is released, it forms a toxic cloud that can travel for miles.  Exposure to a hydrofluoric acid cloud will cause skin burns, and can lead to blindness, significant lung damage and death.  Even in its “modified” form, hydrofluoric acid is toxic and extremely dangerous.

“There are few more painful ways to die then by exposure to hydrofluoric acid.”
-- Stephen Flynn, a senior fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, in 2007 testimony before Congress.

We have seen what hydrofluoric acid can do.  In Texas there was a refinery explosion where hydrofluoric acid was released.  Over 1,000 people were injured, some severely, and over 3,000 people were forced from their homes.

What would this mean for Bakersfield?  There are over 100 schools as well as hospitals, day care facilities, businesses and hundreds of homes located within five miles of the Big West refinery.  These would all be put in danger in the event of a release.

The Big West Refinery is also located next to an irrigation canal and the Kern River.  A release of hydrofluoric acid would have a disastrous impact on Bakersfield’s agriculture, as well as the fish and vegetation in the Kern River.

FACTS
Bakersfield Could Become a Terrorist Target
Department of Homeland Security identified hydrofluoric acid as a target for terrorism

Most Refineries in the US use Safer Chemicals
Two-thirds of US refineries have switched to safer alternatives

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NEWS
Hydrofluoric Acid In the News
Deadly accidents from the use of Hydrofluoric Acid have occurred around the country

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