This article will explore the effects of phenolsulfonic acid on workers’ health. Phenolsulfonic acid, a common chemical compound used in many industries, can cause numerous health problems if workers are exposed to it without proper protection. The article will delve into the risks and negative impacts of phenolsulfonic acid on the body’s systems, while also proposing safety measures to protect workers’ health in work environments containing this substance.
1. What is Phenolsulfonic acid?
Phenolsulfonic acid (C6H6O4S) is a form of phenol sulfonic acid, a chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H6O4S. It is a type of sulfonic acid where the hydroxyl group of phenol replaces a hydrogen atom of the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H).
Phenolsulfonic acid can be used in many industrial applications, such as in the production of organic compounds, cosmetics, dyes, and in some other chemical processes. Depending on its use and the exposure environment, phenolsulfonic acid can pose safety and health problems, especially if workers are not properly protected when exposed to this substance.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axit phenol sunphonic | Phenolsulfonic acid | 29089900 | 1333-39-7 | C6H6O4S |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
2. Where does Phenolsulfonic acid originate from in the production process?
Phenolsulfonic acid is typically produced through the sulfonation of phenol. This process involves the reaction of phenol (C6H5OH) with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to create phenolsulfonic acid (C6H6O4S). The reaction can be described as follows:
In this, part of the hydroxyl group (-OH) of phenol is replaced by the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), creating phenolsulfonic acid.
Phenolsulfonic acid has many applications in industry, such as in the production of organic compounds, cosmetics, and some other chemical products. Depending on the specific application, production scale, and exposure conditions, safety measures must be implemented to ensure the protection of workers and the environment.

3. Industries that use Phenolsulfonic acid in production
Phenolsulfonic acid is used in many different industries due to its chemical properties. Here are some of the main industries that use Phenolsulfonic acid in their production processes:
- Chemical Industry:
- Phenolsulfonic acid can be used to produce organic compounds and other chemical products.
- Cosmetics Industry:
- It may be used in the production of cosmetics, especially in the manufacturing of skin care products.
- Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Phenolsulfonic acid may be used as an ingredient in some types of drugs and pharmaceuticals.
- Dye Industry:
- The production of some dyes also uses Phenolsulfonic acid.
- Water Treatment Industry:
- Some products containing Phenolsulfonic acid may be used in water treatment processes to adjust pH or for other processes.
- Oil and Gas Industry:
- Phenolsulfonic acid may be used in some applications within the oil and gas industry.
- Polymer Synthesis Industry:
- Some polymer production processes may use Phenolsulfonic acid as a catalyst or reactant.
4. How does Phenolsulfonic acid affect workers?
Phenolsulfonic acid can affect the health of workers upon exposure, especially in unsafe work environments or when personal protective measures are not followed. Here are some potential effects:
- Skin Irritation:
- Contact with Phenolsulfonic acid can cause irritation, redness, and itching on the skin. In severe cases, it can lead to rashes or skin lesions.
- Respiratory Problems:
- Dust or vapors from Phenolsulfonic acid can irritate the respiratory tract and cause nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing.
- Eye Problems:
- Direct contact with the eyes can cause pain, redness, and severe irritation, potentially leading to vision problems.
- Digestive System Problems:
- If Phenolsulfonic acid is ingested, it can cause nausea, stomach pain, and other digestive system issues.
- Cancer Risk:
- Some chemical compounds in Phenolsulfonic acid may pose health risks, including cancer, especially if workers are exposed to them over long periods and at high levels.
- Impact on the Nervous System:
- Some substances may affect the nervous system, causing problems such as dizziness, headaches, and reduced concentration.
To minimize risks and protect workers’ health, safety measures such as using personal protective equipment, adhering to occupational safety rules, and ensuring the work environment meets safety standards are important.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Phenolsulfonic acid for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of phenolsulfonic acid for human exposure can vary depending on the type of application, duration of exposure, route of exposure (skin, eyes, inhalation), and working conditions. Safety standards and limits for chemical substances are typically determined by health and occupational safety organizations.
Typically, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other national agencies often establish Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) based on scientific research on the substance’s health effects.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Phenolsulfonic acid. 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.

6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Phenolsulfonic acid on workers
To minimize the health effects of Phenolsulfonic acid on workers, safety and personal protection measures must be implemented. Here are some important measures:
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing when working with Phenolsulfonic acid to protect eyes, hands, and skin from direct contact.
- Safe Work Environment Design:
- Design the work environment to minimize exposure to Phenolsulfonic acid. This may include using vacuum extraction systems or ventilation fans, as well as placing production equipment away from work areas.
- Limit Exposure Time:
- Limit direct exposure time to Phenolsulfonic acid to reduce risks. If possible, organize work so that workers do not have to be in contact with this substance for long periods.
- Occupational Safety Training:
- Train workers on the risks of Phenolsulfonic acid and how to use PPE. Create safety rules and ensure compliance.
- Concentration Control:
- Keep the concentration of Phenolsulfonic acid in the work air and water at safe levels through control and monitoring processes.
- Periodic Health Check-ups:
- Organize periodic health check-up programs to monitor the impact of Phenolsulfonic acid on workers’ health.
- Comply with Safety Regulations and Standards:
- Adhere to the safety regulations and standards of local health and occupational safety agencies.
- Periodically organize workplace 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 Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on 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 become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace 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 our customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- With the Nam Viet Environment 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. Workplace Environment Monitoring Quotation
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation table provides detailed price information for 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 table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.

