What is a common symptom of exposure to hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive substance, and exposure can lead to severe burns upon contact with skin and mucous membranes. One of the distinguishing characteristics of hydrofluoric acid burns is that they may not immediately cause noticeable pain, leading victims to underestimate the severity of their injury, which can result in serious tissue damage. The acid can penetrate body tissues deeply, affecting not just the superficial layers but also causing damage to underlying tissues, including bones.

Nausea, fever, and allergic reactions can be associated with various types of exposures and chemical reactions but are not specific symptoms of hydrofluoric acid exposure. While nausea may occur due to other chemical exposures or the body's reaction to toxins, it is not a defining characteristic of hydrofluoric acid contact. Similarly, fever is a generalized response to infection or systemic illness, and allergic reactions are specific immune responses that are not typically associated with hydrofluoric acid. Therefore, severe burns are the most relevant and specific symptom associated with hydrofluoric acid exposure.