How does Ammonium sulfide affect workers’ health?

How does Ammonium sulfide affect workers' health?
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This article will explore the impact of ammonium sulfide, a common chemical compound in industrial work environments, on the health of workers. The chemical principles and level of exposure can cause specific effects on the human body. The article will analyze scientific studies, emphasizing the risks and safety measures that need to be applied to protect the health of those working in environments containing ammonium sulfide.

1. What is Ammonium sulfide?

Ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S) is a chemical compound created from the reaction between ammonia gas (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). It is a black or brown solid, and in aqueous solution, it forms a black solution due to the formation of sulfide (S2-) and ammonium (NH4+) ions.

Ammonium sulfide is often used in industrial applications, especially in paper manufacturing, water treatment, and softening and coloring natural materials. However, it can also pose health risks if not used correctly or if there is excessive exposure. Ammonium sulfide has a rather unpleasant odor and can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. Therefore, applying safety measures is very important when working with this substance.

No. Chemical Name in Vietnamese Chemical Name in English HS Code CAS Number Chemical Formula
1. Amon sunfua Ammonium sulfide 28309090 12135-76-1 (NH4)2S

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2. Where does Ammonium sulfide originate from in the production process?

Ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S) can be generated during the production process from various sources, depending on the specific application and industry. Here are some common sources of ammonium sulfide in the production environment:

  • Paper manufacturing: In the paper manufacturing industry, ammonium sulfide can arise from the chemical treatment process in steps such as pulping, bleaching, and residue treatment.
  • Wood processing: During wood processing, ammonium sulfide can form from chemical reactions carried out to treat and process wood.
  • Mining processing: In some cases, ammonium sulfide can appear during mining processing, especially when processing sulfur-containing minerals.
  • Fertilizer production: Ammonium sulfide can also be related to the fertilizer production process, especially when producing types of fertilizers containing ammonium sulfide.

In each industry, managing and controlling the production process is important to minimize risks to worker health and the environment. Safety measures and proper working procedures with this chemical also need to be implemented to ensure safety during production.


3. Industries that use Ammonium sulfide in production

Ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S) is often used in several different industries due to its chemical properties. Here are some common industries that use ammonium sulfide in their production processes:

  • Paper manufacturing: Ammonium sulfide is used in the chemical processing of paper for pulping, bleaching, and residue treatment.
  • Wood processing: In the wood processing industry, ammonium sulfide may be used in the process of treating and processing wood.
  • Mining processing: Ammonium sulfide can appear during mining processing, especially when processing sulfur-containing minerals.
  • Fertilizer production: It may be used in the fertilizer production process, especially in types of fertilizers containing ammonium sulfide.
  • Chemical production industry: Ammonium sulfide is also used in some different chemical production processes.
  • Fragrance industry: Ammonium sulfide may be used in some fragrance products and other odorants.

4. How does Ammonium sulfide affect workers

Ammonium sulfide can affect the health of workers if they are exposed to it unsafely. Here are some effects that may occur:

  • Skin and eye irritation: Direct contact with ammonium sulfide can cause skin and eye irritation. This can lead to problems such as redness, itching, and skin swelling. Eyes may be irritated, causing pain and potential damage if not treated promptly.
  • Respiratory problems: Inhalation of ammonium sulfide can irritate the respiratory and digestive tracts. This can lead to problems such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and vomiting.
  • Effects on the digestive system: If ammonium sulfide is ingested, it can create problems in the digestive system, causing nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
  • Sulfur risk: Ammonium sulfide contains sulfur, a substance that can produce sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas when exposed to air. SO2 is a toxic gas that can affect the respiratory system and cause eye irritation.

To minimize risks, workers need to implement safety measures, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, masks, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing. Additionally, safety training and adherence to chemical handling rules are important to protect the health of workers in environments containing ammonium sulfide.


5. Permissible safe concentration of Ammonium sulfide for human exposure

The permissible safe concentration of ammonium sulfide for human exposure depends on many factors, including the route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), duration of exposure, and the individual characteristics of the person exposed. Safety organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often provide guidelines and limits on safe concentrations for chemical substances, including ammonium sulfide.

At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to ammonium sulfide is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.

However, it is important to follow the specific guidelines of the occupational safety management organization, including specific parameters for ammonium sulfide in the specific industry and application. These parameters are usually determined to ensure maximum safety for workers and those exposed.


6. Measures to minimize the effects of Ammonium sulfide on worker health

To minimize the effects of Ammonium sulfide on worker health, safety measures and work procedures must be strictly applied. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

  • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers performing jobs in environments containing ammonium sulfide are fully equipped with PPE, including safety glasses, masks, gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, and safety shoes.
  • Manage and control concentrations: Implement measures to control and minimize the concentration of ammonium sulfide in the work environment. This may include using vacuum exhaust systems, ventilation fans, and other measures to reduce exposure and unwanted contact.
  • Safe work procedures: Develop and implement safe work procedures, including rules for chemical handling, safety during transport and storage, and incident response measures.
  • Occupational safety training: Provide adequate training to employees on safety and understanding of ammonium sulfide. Workers need to be informed about the risks, how to use PPE, and the necessary measures to avoid health risks.
  • Periodic medical checks: Implement periodic medical check-up programs to monitor worker health and detect early health problems related to ammonium sulfide.
  • Waste management: Manage ammonium sulfide waste safely and effectively to prevent leaks and environmental pollution.
  • Comply with regulations and standards: Ensure that all industry safety regulations and standards and environmental management agencies are properly followed.
  • Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.

7. National occupational environment monitoring center

The occupational environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the working environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.

With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has been and is becoming one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:

  • We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
  • We provide customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
  • Along with a team of experienced and professional Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
Official letter from the Department of Health agreeing to the content of announcing eligibility to perform occupational environment monitoring activities
  • Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.

8. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring

To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.

  • Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
  • We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
  • With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service qualit

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