Working environment factors
How does Ethyl Acetate affect workers’ health?
May
Ethyl acetate (C4H8O2) is a common solvent used in many industries, including the production of paints, printing inks, detergents, and adhesives. Although it has many useful applications, ethyl acetate can also pose some health risks to workers exposed to it in the workplace. This article will discuss the potential health effects of ethyl acetate on workers and the necessary preventive measures to protect them.
1. What is Ethyl acetate?
Ethyl acetate, also known by its systematic name ethyl ethanoate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H8O2 or CH3COOCH2CH3. In its common form, ethyl acetate is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet smell and is widely used in industrial and everyday applications.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Etyl axetat | Ethyl acetate | 29153100 | 141-78-6 | C4H8O2 |
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2. Where does Ethyl acetate originate from in the production process?
Ethyl acetate (C4H8O2) can be formed during the production process in two main ways: synthesis reaction and as a byproduct in other production processes.
- Synthesis reaction: This is the main production method for ethyl acetate. This process typically involves the reaction between ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and acetic acid in a 1:1 molar ratio, in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The reaction proceeds as follows:
CH3COOH (acetic acid) + CH3CH2OH (ethanol) → CH3COOCH2CH3 (ethyl acetate) + H2O (water)
- Byproduct: Ethyl acetate can also be created as an unwanted byproduct in some other production processes. For example, the fermentation of wine or beer can produce a small amount of ethyl acetate due to esterification reactions between ethanol and acetic acid present in the fermentation medium.
In addition, ethyl acetate can also be obtained from natural sources such as ripe fruits (the aroma of some fruits like bananas, mangoes) or during the production of other products like glue, paint.
3. Industries that use Ethyl acetate in production
Ethyl acetate is a versatile organic solvent with many applications in various industries. The reason for its widespread popularity is due to its characteristics such as low cost, relatively low toxicity, and pleasant odor. Here are some typical industries that use Ethyl acetate in production:
- Paint and Ink Industry: This is the main field of application for Ethyl acetate. With its ability to dissolve many organic compounds, Ethyl acetate is used as a diluent solvent for paints and printing inks, helping them adhere easily to surfaces and dry quickly. In addition, Ethyl acetate is also found in nail polish removers and circuit board cleaning solutions.
- Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: Ethyl acetate is used to a limited extent in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its volatility. However, in small, strictly controlled amounts, Ethyl acetate acts as a flavoring agent in some types of candies, jams, drinks, or is used as a solvent to extract caffeine from coffee beans and green tea. In pharmaceuticals, Ethyl acetate is sometimes used as an ingredient in some topical medications.
- Other manufacturing industries: Ethyl acetate is also used in the production of adhesives, industrial cleaners, tobacco production (as a flavoring agent), and even in the perfume industry (helping fragrances evaporate quickly but retain a long-lasting scent).
4. How does Ethyl acetate affect workers?
Ethyl acetate is an ester present in many industrial and commercial products, so workers in industries that use these products are at risk of direct exposure to Ethyl acetate. Exposure to Ethyl acetate can cause acute and chronic health effects for workers, depending on the concentration, duration of exposure, and other factors.
Immediate effects:
- Respiratory irritation: When inhaling Ethyl acetate at high concentrations, workers may experience nose and throat irritation, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, and a runny nose.
- Eye irritation: At high concentrations, Ethyl acetate can cause eye irritation, leading to tearing, stinging, and temporary blurred vision.
- Skin irritation: Direct contact with Ethyl acetate can cause skin irritation, manifesting as redness, dryness, and peeling.
- Nervous system: Exposure to very high concentrations of Ethyl acetate can cause dizziness, nausea, headache, and fatigue.
Long-term effects:
- If frequently exposed to Ethyl acetate at low to moderate concentrations, workers may experience respiratory problems such as allergic rhinitis or asthma.
- Prolonged skin contact with Ethyl acetate can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Some studies suggest that Ethyl acetate may cause adverse effects on the central nervous system, but more research is needed to determine this clearly.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethyl acetate for human exposure
Ethyl acetate is classified as a mild irritant. The permissible safe concentration for exposure to Ethyl acetate in the workplace is regulated by Circular 10/2019/TT-BYT of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health [3]. According to this circular, the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit for Ethyl acetate is 400 ppm (about 1.4 mg/l). This concentration is determined to be a safe level for the vast majority of people to be exposed to for long periods without causing adverse health effects.
However, it should be noted that this is an average concentration over an entire work shift. If the Ethyl acetate concentration at any time exceeds 3 times the TWA limit (1200 ppm), the exposure time to this concentration must not exceed 30 minutes (STEL – Short Term Exposure Limit). The total exposure time to Ethyl acetate during a shift, including times exceeding the TWA, must not exceed 5 times the TWA value (2000 ppm).
In addition, each person’s tolerance to Ethyl acetate may differ. The smell of Ethyl acetate can be unpleasant for some people, even at permissible concentrations. Long-term exposure to Ethyl acetate can also cause dry skin, chapping, and eye irritation. Therefore, to ensure safety and health, it is necessary to use appropriate protective measures when exposed to Ethyl acetate, such as wearing respirators, safety goggles, and gloves.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Ethyl acetate. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Ethyl acetate on workers’ health
Although Ethyl acetate is a common compound, it also poses potential risks to the health of workers frequently exposed to it. Fortunately, there are many effective measures that can be applied to minimize these negative impacts.
- Ventilation control: This is the most important measure. Good air circulation must be maintained in the work area to reduce the concentration of Ethyl acetate in the environment. Opening windows, using fans, and installing local exhaust ventilation systems near emission sources are effective methods.
- Provide protective equipment: Workers must be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators suitable for Ethyl acetate, eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing. The selection of equipment must comply with occupational safety standards and be replaced periodically to ensure effectiveness.
- Minimize exposure: Engineering measures can help minimize workers’ direct contact with Ethyl acetate. For example, using closed systems for containers and equipment that use Ethyl acetate, and automating production processes to reduce manual operations.
- Follow safe procedures: Safe procedures for using and storing Ethyl acetate must be established and strictly followed. This includes detailed instructions on handling, transport, storage, and spill response.
- Regular health monitoring: Workers frequently exposed to Ethyl acetate should undergo periodic health monitoring. Blood tests, respiratory function tests, and neurological exams can help detect early signs of adverse health effects.
- Create a safe working environment: In addition to technical measures, building a safe and healthy working environment is also crucial. Regularly training workers on the risks of Ethyl acetate, instructing them on how to use protective equipment, and handling emergencies will help raise awareness and minimize occupational accidents.
By applying a combination of the above methods, businesses can significantly reduce the effects of Ethyl acetate on workers’ health, create a safe working environment, and achieve sustainable production efficiency.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
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
Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring center is a professional unit specializing in 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 occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center”, the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing 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 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 our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- 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 perform occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced service quotation table for occupational environment monitoring.
- Our monitoring quotation table provides detailed information on 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 quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
