Philly seeks refining ban on toxic chemical released in PES explosion

Philadelphia City Council plans to propose a ban that would prevent any future refineries in the city from using the toxic chemical hydrofluoric acid. More than 5,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid were released into the atmosphere following last summer's explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia. The chemical has a wide range of research and industrial uses, from refrigerants to Teflon, but is used by refineries in the alkylation process. Dangers of hydrofluoric acid include skin burns, bone damage and respiratory problems caused by fluid buildup. It also can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. In high enough concentrations, hydrofluoric acid can cause serious injury or death.