How does carbon dioxide (CO2) affect workers’ health?

Carbonic (CO₂) is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic molecule. Carbonic is one of the most important greenhouse gases, playing a crucial role in the greenhouse effect and climate change.

The rapid increase of carbonic in the atmosphere is believed to be caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and expanding urban areas. The increase in carbonic is one of the main contributors to the greenhouse effect and raises the Earth’s average temperature, causing issues related to climate change.

1. What is Carbonic (CO₂)?

Carbonic (CO₂), also known as carbon dioxide, is a gas with a slightly acidic taste and is colorless under normal conditions.

CO₂ is a compound that exists as a gas under normal conditions and has a low concentration in Earth’s atmosphere. When rapidly cooled, CO₂ becomes solid, known as dry ice.

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2. Sources of CO₂ in production processes

CO₂ is emitted from various sources during production. Some main sources include:

• Using coal, oil, gas, and other fossil fuels for energy production, leading to CO₂ emissions. The energy, transportation, and industrial manufacturing sectors are major CO₂ emitters due to fossil fuel combustion.
• Industrial production processes such as metallurgy, cement production, ceramics, chemical manufacturing, and thermal power technology can generate large amounts of CO₂.
• Daily human activities like household energy use, commuting, electricity consumption, cooling, and heating also contribute to CO₂ emissions.
• Agricultural activities, such as livestock farming, crop cultivation, and fertilizer use, also produce CO₂.

To reduce CO₂ emissions in production, measures such as using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, applying clean technologies, and practicing sustainable agriculture can be implemented.

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3. Occupations with CO₂ hazards for workers

Some occupations may pose risks to workers due to exposure to CO₂:

• Workers in thermal power plants or chemical processing plants may be exposed to high CO₂ levels during production and fossil fuel handling.
• Chemical industry workers, including chemical production, may face CO₂ exposure during manufacturing, handling, and transport of chemicals.
• Workers in cement, steel, and glass production plants may encounter CO₂ during processing of these materials.
• Workers in metallurgy industries (aluminum, iron, copper, etc.) may be exposed to CO₂ during metal melting and processing.
• Employees in thermal production plants, such as boilers and furnaces, may be exposed to high CO₂ due to fuel combustion.
• Agricultural workers, including crop cultivation, livestock farming, and food processing, may encounter CO₂ from organic decomposition and machinery usage.
• Other occupations with CO₂ exposure.

To protect workers’ health, personal protective measures and safety procedures must be implemented in occupations at risk of CO₂ exposure.

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4. How CO₂ affects workers’ comfort

CO₂ concentrations in the workplace can affect workers’ comfort:

• High CO₂ levels reduce air quality and create discomfort. High CO₂ environments can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
• Excessive CO₂ levels can affect respiration.
• High CO₂ levels can reduce productivity, increasing the risk of errors and workplace accidents.

To ensure comfort and productivity, CO₂ levels in the workplace must be controlled and maintained within safe limits. This can be achieved through ventilation, air conditioning systems, and other measures to provide clean air and sufficient oxygen.

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5. Permissible CO₂ exposure in the workplace

According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT, the national technical standard on maximum allowable exposure limits for 50 chemical factors in the workplace:

Table 1. Maximum allowable exposure limits for chemical factors in the workplace.

Unit: mg/m³

No.	Chemical Name	Chemical Name (English)	Chemical Formula	Molecular Weight	CAS Number	Work Shift Exposure Limit (TWA)	Short-term Exposure Limit (STEL)	IARC Toxicity Group
12	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	CO2	44.01	124-38-9	9,000	18,000	–

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6. Diseases caused by long-term exposure to hazardous CO₂

Long-term exposure to CO₂ does not directly cause diseases. CO₂ is a naturally occurring gas present in our environment and is usually harmless at low concentrations. In the atmosphere, CO₂ is maintained at safe levels.

However, prolonged exposure to high CO₂ levels can cause health issues. Situations such as working in industrial environments with high CO₂ levels or living in poorly ventilated spaces can lead to elevated CO₂ in the body. Possible symptoms include:

• High CO₂ in the air can reduce available oxygen, causing shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
• Respiratory irritation may increase heart rate and cause discomfort and fatigue.
• Nervous system effects: anxiety, lack of concentration, and mental health issues.
• Digestive system effects: indigestion, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Under normal conditions, exposure to typical CO₂ levels does not cause significant health effects.

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7. Measures to reduce CO₂ impact on workers’ health

To minimize CO₂ impacts on workers, the following measures can be applied:

• Provide effective ventilation systems to clean air and ensure a supply of fresh air.
• Optimize work processes to reduce CO₂ exposure, including using emission-reducing technology and safe work methods.
• Worker training: Train employees on health protection measures to safeguard themselves in hazardous environments.
• Use personal protective equipment to protect health during work.
• Create a work environment that raises awareness about health and safety, encouraging compliance with safety rules and regulations.
• Regularly conduct workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze hazardous factors, reducing risk and preventing occupational diseases.

To minimize CO₂ impacts, preventive and protective measures must be strictly implemented.

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8. National Center for Workplace Environmental Monitoring

Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

Besides providing monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centric,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.

With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with objectives such as:

• Valuing brand reputation and service quality.
• Providing customers with the best and most suitable services.
• Working with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers committed to environmental protection and business benefits.

• Partnering with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies will receive professional services from field experts and the best pricing benefits.

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9. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing

To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a price list for workplace environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.

• The pricing table provides detailed information about service costs, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can rely on the accuracy and reliability of the reports.
• Nam Viet commits to providing competitive and fair pricing while offering fast and professional consultation on monitoring services.
• Clients can easily select service packages that meet their needs, with a commitment to the highest satisfaction and professional service quality.