Working environment factors
How does Thiourea affect workers’ health?
Oct
In the industrial environment, thiourea (CH4N2S) is a commonly used chemical, but not everyone fully understands its impact on health. This article will explore the effects of thiourea on workers in manufacturing plants, from symptoms to protective measures, providing you with a comprehensive and essential overview.
1. What is Thiourea?
Thiourea, with the chemical formula CH4N2S, is an organic compound containing sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon. It typically appears as white, odorless crystals that are soluble in water and capable of forming other compounds through chemical reactions. Thiourea is primarily produced through the reaction between ammonia and carbon disulfide, and it is present in many industries, including the production of fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
In the industrial sector, thiourea is used as a catalyst, a cleaning agent, and in the fabric dyeing process. Thanks to its unique chemical properties, thiourea plays a crucial role in many production processes. However, despite its many useful applications, thiourea also poses potential risks to human health. When exposed to thiourea, workers may experience several negative health effects, which require careful attention and strict management in manufacturing plants.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Thiourea | Thiourea | 29309090 | 62-56-6 | CH4N2S |
See more services chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Thiourea originate from in the production process?
The organic compound Thiourea originates from various production processes, primarily related to activities in the chemical industry. One of the main sources of thiourea is from chemical synthesis, often carried out by combining ammonia with carbon disulfide. This process creates thiourea and is typically performed in large chemical plants.
In addition, thiourea can also be found in some natural products, although at lower concentrations. Products such as humus, certain types of plants, and the biological decomposition of proteins can also produce thiourea. However, in an industrial setting, the main source is still from chemical production processes.
In manufacturing plants, thiourea is often used in various applications such as the production of fertilizers, dyes, and other chemical compounds. The use of thiourea in the production process not only helps improve efficiency but also poses potential health risks for workers if not managed and monitored strictly. Therefore, a clear understanding of the origin and behavior of thiourea in production processes is crucial to ensure the health and safety of workers.
3. Industries that use Thiourea in production
This compound is widely used in many different industries, thanks to its unique chemical properties. One of the typical industries is the fertilizer manufacturing industry. Thiourea is used as a source of nitrogen, helping to provide nutrients to plants, promote growth, and increase productivity. The use of thiourea in fertilizers helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently, thereby contributing to increased agricultural production.
Besides the fertilizer industry, thiourea is also used in the textile dyeing industry. It is used to create dyeing compounds, helping to improve the color fastness and quality of the product. Thiourea also plays an important role in the production of plastics and polymer compounds, where it helps to improve the mechanical and chemical properties of the product.
Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical field, thiourea is used to produce some types of drugs and chemical intermediates. Some studies also show that thiourea may have therapeutic effects in treating certain diseases, although more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
However, the use of thiourea in these industries also needs to be strictly managed to minimize risks for workers. Therefore, safety and health protection measures must be implemented rigorously to ensure the safety of those working in environments where thiourea is used.
4. How does Thiourea affect workers?
Thiourea can significantly affect the health of workers in manufacturing plants that use this chemical. When exposed to thiourea, workers may experience a number of different symptoms and health problems, depending on the level and duration of exposure. The most common symptoms include irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Inhaling thiourea dust or vapor can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness, reducing a worker’s respiratory capacity.
In addition, thiourea can also affect the nervous system. Research shows that prolonged exposure to thiourea can lead to problems such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms not only affect work productivity but can also be long-lasting and cause more serious health problems if not detected and treated in time.
Another major concern is the potential for liver and kidney toxicity. Some studies have shown that thiourea can cause liver and kidney function disorders, especially in workers in environments with high concentrations of thiourea. Therefore, regular health monitoring and workplace environment checks are essential to ensure worker safety.
To minimize these negative effects, protective measures need to be applied, including the use of personal protective equipment, improving ventilation in the workplace, and training workers on how to recognize symptoms and safety measures when working with thiourea. Thanks to these efforts, we can ensure that workers are protected and maintain good health when working in an environment where thiourea is used.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Thiourea for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of thiourea for human exposure is a crucial factor in protecting workers’ health. Health and occupational safety organizations have established standards to determine the maximum concentration of thiourea that humans can be exposed to without causing adverse health effects.
According to studies, the concentration of thiourea in the air should not exceed 10 mg/m³ in the work environment to ensure worker safety. This concentration level has been determined based on studies of the health and effects of thiourea, helping to limit the risk of symptoms such as irritation of the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. In addition, the concentration of thiourea in products or materials that come into direct contact with people also needs to be strictly controlled to minimize the possibility of toxicity.
In addition to determining a safe concentration, monitoring and inspection of the work environment are also very important. Factories need to regularly measure the concentration of thiourea in the air and implement measures to improve ventilation if the concentration is found to exceed the permissible limit. At the same time, providing information and training to workers about the risks associated with thiourea and how to protect themselves is also an important part of the occupational safety process.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Thiourea. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of Thiourea on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of thiourea on workers’ health, preventive and risk management measures must be implemented seriously and systematically. One of the first and most important steps is to improve ventilation in the workspace. This can be achieved by installing effective ventilation systems, which help reduce the concentration of thiourea in the air and provide fresh air for workers.
In addition to improving ventilation, the use of personal protective equipment is extremely necessary. Workers should be equipped with respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant clothing when working with thiourea. This equipment will help minimize the possibility of direct contact with the chemical, thereby limiting symptoms of irritation and other health problems.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks and protective measures are also very important. Training programs should include information on the health effects of thiourea, how to recognize symptoms, and response measures in case of a dangerous situation. Equipping workers with knowledge not only helps them protect themselves but also creates a culture of safety in the company.
Finally, conducting regular health checks for workers is also an essential part of the health protection plan. Medical facilities should monitor the health of those who are regularly exposed to thiourea, in order to detect any abnormal signs early and intervene in a timely manner.
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, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjust to reduce the level of harm 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 the supervision and measurement of workplace environment quality 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 workplace 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, 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 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 offers on costs.
8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring price list 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 advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
