Working environment factors
How does O-dichlorobenzene affect the health of workers?
Sep
O-Dichlorobenzene (C6H4Cl2) is a chemical commonly used in many manufacturing plants, but few are aware of the potential health risks to workers. This article will explore in detail the harmful effects of this chemical, as well as the necessary safety precautions for workers.
1. What is O-Dichlorobenzene?
O-Dichlorobenzene, with the chemical formula C6H4Cl2, is an organic compound belonging to the group of benzene derivatives, in which two chlorine (Cl) atoms replace two hydrogen (H) atoms on the benzene ring. The name “dichlorobenzene” comes from the presence of two chlorine atoms in the molecular structure. Depending on the position of the chlorine atoms, dichlorobenzene is divided into three isomers: o-dichlorobenzene (ortho), m-dichlorobenzene (meta), and p-dichlorobenzene (para). Among them, o-dichlorobenzene has a characteristic chemical structure with two chlorine atoms located adjacent to each other at positions 1 and 2 on the benzene ring.
O-Dichlorobenzene is typically a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, gasoline, and oil. This substance is widely used in industry, especially in the production of pesticides, cleaning chemicals, solvents, and some other manufacturing processes. Although it has many useful applications, o-dichlorobenzene also poses health and environmental risks if not controlled and used properly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | O-diclo benzen | O-Dichlorobenzene | 29039100 | 95-50-1 | C6H4Cl2 |
See more services: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does O-Dichlorobenzene originate from in the production process?
The organic compound O-Dichlorobenzene originates mainly from production and use in many different industries. One of the main sources is the chlorination of benzene, where benzene (C6H6) is reacted with chlorine (Cl2) under catalytic conditions to create chlorobenzene derivatives, including o-dichlorobenzene. This process is usually carried out in a controlled industrial environment at large chemical plants.
In addition, o-dichlorobenzene also arises from the production of products containing this chemical, such as in the manufacturing of pesticides, paints, varnishes, solvents, or industrial cleaning agents. In these processes, o-dichlorobenzene is used as an important component to improve the properties of the final product.
Furthermore, some factories producing plastics, synthetic rubber, or chemical products can also be sources of o-dichlorobenzene. At these facilities, this substance may be used for surface treatment, as a cleaning agent, or as a component in product formulations. The production process in factories often generates emissions or waste containing o-dichlorobenzene, which, if not properly treated, can lead to environmental pollution and harm the health of workers directly involved in production.
3. Industries that use O-Dichlorobenzene in production
O-Dichlorobenzene is used in many different industries due to its characteristic chemical properties. One of the largest industries that uses o-dichlorobenzene is pesticide manufacturing. This chemical is used as a primary component to synthesize insecticidal compounds, helping to control pests in agriculture and protect crops. Thanks to its ability to disrupt the nervous system of insects, o-dichlorobenzene plays an important role in enhancing agricultural production efficiency.
In addition, the industrial cleaning chemical industry also uses o-dichlorobenzene in its products. With its good solubility in organic solvents, it is used to clean metal surfaces, removing grease and dirt in factories and mechanical workshops. The application of o-dichlorobenzene in this industry not only helps improve cleaning performance but also ensures safety in production processes.
The plastics and rubber manufacturing industry is another field that uses o-dichlorobenzene. This chemical is used in surface treatment processes to improve product characteristics, helping the final product achieve better quality in terms of durability and flexibility. Not limited to plastics and rubber, o-dichlorobenzene is also used in the paint and varnish industry, where it acts as a solvent, helping to increase adhesion and create a smooth finish on the product surface.
The chemical and solvent manufacturing industries also cannot do without o-dichlorobenzene, as it plays a crucial role in the synthesis and formulation of other compounds. Despite its many important applications, the use of o-dichlorobenzene needs to be strictly controlled to ensure worker safety and minimize adverse environmental impacts.
4. How does O-Dichlorobenzene affect workers?
O-Dichlorobenzene can cause many negative health effects for workers when exposed during production and use. One of the main impacts is irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. When inhaling vapors or coming into direct contact with this chemical, workers may experience symptoms such as itching, skin redness, shortness of breath, coughing, and a burning sensation in the throat. If exposure is at high concentrations or for a long period, the symptoms can become more severe, leading to lung and respiratory diseases.
In addition, o-dichlorobenzene can also affect the central nervous system. When absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs, this chemical can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Particularly, if exposure is prolonged without protective measures, workers are at high risk of memory impairment, neurological disorders, and issues related to mental health.
Another risk of o-dichlorobenzene is its potential to cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to o-dichlorobenzene can lead to the accumulation of the chemical in the body, impairing liver and kidney function, causing hepatitis and kidney failure. This is particularly concerning for workers in environments with frequent exposure to the chemical without effective safety measures.
5. Permissible safe concentration of O-Dichlorobenzene for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of O-Dichlorobenzene for human exposure has been regulated by international health and occupational safety agencies to protect the health of workers in industrial environments. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the maximum permissible concentration of o-dichlorobenzene in the workplace air is 50 ppm (parts per million), equivalent to about 300 mg/m³ in the air, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average for a 40-hour work week.
This concentration is considered a safe level to limit the risk of health effects for workers; however, prolonged exposure even at this level may cause some mild irritation symptoms. For workers in conditions with o-dichlorobenzene concentrations higher than the regulated level, the risk of severe damage to the respiratory system, liver, kidneys, and nervous system increases significantly.
In addition, the short-term exposure limit (STEL) for o-dichlorobenzene is set at 110 ppm, equivalent to about 600 mg/m³ for a maximum duration of 15 minutes. This is the maximum exposure level that a worker can tolerate without causing immediate serious harm to the body. However, if this limit is exceeded, workers may experience acute poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and risk of internal organ damage.
To ensure safety, factories and production facilities using o-dichlorobenzene must strictly adhere to regulations on controlling chemical concentrations in the air, use effective ventilation and air filtration systems, and provide personal protective equipment for workers. At the same time, regular monitoring of o-dichlorobenzene concentration in the work environment is very important to ensure the health and safety of the workforce.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to O-Dichlorobenzene 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.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of O-Dichlorobenzene on workers
To minimize the health effects of O-Dichlorobenzene on workers, a series of technical, administrative, and personal measures must be applied in the work environment. First of all, improving the ventilation system in areas where o-dichlorobenzene is used is one of the most important measures. A mechanical ventilation system can help remove chemical vapors from the air, ensuring that the concentration of o-dichlorobenzene remains within the safe limits as regulated. At the same time, this system should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness.
In addition, factories and production facilities need to conduct periodic monitoring of the work environment, measuring the concentration of o-dichlorobenzene in the air and assessing potential risks. This helps in the early detection of high-risk areas, allowing for corrective measures such as enhanced ventilation, changes in production processes, or limiting workers’ exposure time.
Providing personal protective equipment is also an indispensable measure. Workers should be equipped with respirators, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing to minimize the risk of direct contact with o-dichlorobenzene through the skin and respiratory system. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that workers are thoroughly trained on how to use protective equipment, as well as how to recognize the signs of chemical poisoning for a timely response.
Administrative measures such as limiting exposure time to o-dichlorobenzene and rotating jobs so that workers are not continuously exposed to this chemical for long periods are also effective ways to minimize risks. Training and raising awareness about occupational safety for employees is very important, including recognizing potential hazards, understanding safety procedures, and knowing how to react in case of an incident involving o-dichlorobenzene.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on 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 workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
The Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet 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 WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
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 focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, the Nam Viet 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 customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With 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 workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quotation for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation 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 are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation 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 our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
