Available for Licensing: Fluorescent Tracer Technology for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure Detection

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is offering a licensing opportunity for a fluorescent tracer technology designed to detect hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposure. The technology introduces a UV-fluorescent tracer additive that can be used to survey skin, clothing, or surfaces after handling HF. This technology is intended to complement existing personal protective equipment and engineering controls, providing an additional layer of detection and support for immediate decontamination and first aid. The key benefits of this technology include post-task detection capability, chemically inert tracer formulation, early-window treatment support, and leak detection in system processes. Potential applications for this technology include industrial HF handling operations, worker post-task self-survey, facility leak and spill detection, and laboratory and small-scale research environments. • The technology is designed to remain chemically inert while enabling workers to survey skin, clothing, or surfaces using a UV light source after handling HF. • The additive is intended to support immediate decontamination and first aid before acid penetrates tissue. • The technology is complementary to existing personal protective equipment and engineering controls. • Potential applications include industrial HF handling operations, worker post-task self-survey, facility leak and spill detection, and laboratory and small-scale research environments.