Report: Car wash chemical a danger to workers

TUMWATER, Wash. – A chemical commonly used at car and truck washes can be dangerous to workers, according to research by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report Friday based on research from the agency, which looked at workers’ compensation injury reports from 2001-13. It found 48 workers suffered burns from hydrofluoric-acid-based products, and one, a 38-year-old man, died after ingesting some – though it wasn’t clear if the ingestion was intentional.

Hydrofluoric acid is often used in car wash products to brighten aluminum and break down road grime. The workers injured typically suffered burns to their hands, head or eyes, sometimes because they had holes in their gloves or failed to wear them. Seven needed to be hospitalized, three suffered third-degree burns, and two needed surgery, including skin grafts.

“Hydrofluoric acid is insidiously toxic at the low concentrations used in vehicle washing,” researcher Carolyn Whitaker said. “Initially, when it touches the skin there may be little or no pain. That means workers are often unaware of the burn until later and typically delay getting treatment.”

Whitaker said car and truck washes should use alternative products that do not include hydrofluoric acid, and when it is used, workplaces should make sure employees are trained and fully aware of the serious hazard, and that they wear protective gear.