Working environment factors
How does Cyclohexyl isocyanate affect workers’ health?
Oct
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (C₇H₁₁ON) is an important chemical in production but also a source of many potential risks to workers’ health. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the effects of this chemical on the respiratory system, skin, and eyes, along with the necessary safety measures to protect health in the workplace.
1. What is Cyclohexyl isocyanate?
Cyclohexyl isocyanate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₇H₁₁ON. It belongs to the isocyanate group, a class of compounds containing the -N=C=O functional group. Cyclohexyl isocyanate has a characteristic molecular structure in which a cyclohexane ring is attached to the isocyanate group. This compound is typically produced from cyclohexylamine through a reaction process with carbonyl diimidazole.
Cyclohexyl isocyanate plays a significant role in the chemical industry, primarily used as a raw material in chemical synthesis. It can be used to produce other compounds, including pesticides, plastics, and polymeric materials. Additionally, cyclohexyl isocyanate is also used in the production of adhesives and other products related to the construction industry.
Regarding its physical properties, cyclohexyl isocyanate is a clear liquid with a strong, distinctive odor. It has low solubility in water but is readily soluble in many organic solvents such as ether, acetone, and chloroform.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Xyclohexyl isocyanat | Cyclohexyl isocyanate | 29291090 | 3173-53-3 | C₇H₁₁ON |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Cyclohexyl isocyanate originate from in the production process?
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (CHIC) is an organic compound widely used in the chemical industry as an intermediate for producing other products such as polyurethanes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. However, CHIC is also a toxic substance and can cause serious health problems upon exposure. Therefore, understanding the sources of CHIC in the production process is crucial to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.
There are two main sources of CHIC in the production process:
Direct production from cyclohexanol and phosgene: This is the traditional and most common method for producing CHIC. In this method, cyclohexanol and phosgene react under specific temperature and pressure conditions to produce CHIC and hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid is removed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide.
Production from cyclohexylamine: This method is less common and is mainly used in special production processes. In this method, cyclohexylamine is reacted with phosgene to produce CHIC and an ammonium salt. The ammonium salt is removed by distillation.
Additionally, CHIC can also be generated as a byproduct during the production of other compounds, such as cyclohexanone and caprolactam. However, the amount of CHIC produced from these sources is usually very small and insignificant compared to the amount produced directly.
3. Industries that use Cyclohexyl isocyanate in production
Cyclohexyl isocyanate is an important compound in many industries, thanks to its unique chemical properties and its ability to create valuable chemical reactions. One of the main applications of cyclohexyl isocyanate is in the polymer manufacturing sector. This compound is used as a primary raw material in the synthesis of polyurethane, a type of polymer widely used in the production of insulation materials, building materials, and consumer products such as furniture and footwear. Polyurethane has high elasticity and durability, making it an ideal choice for many applications.
Besides, cyclohexyl isocyanate is also applied in the pesticide and agricultural chemical industry. Due to its ability to interact with other compounds, it can be used to synthesize highly effective products for pest control and improving crop yields. The development of pesticides based on cyclohexyl isocyanate not only helps increase agricultural efficiency but also aims to minimize environmental impact.
Furthermore, cyclohexyl isocyanate is used in the chemical industry to produce adhesives and glues. These products are heat-resistant and durable, suitable for use in construction and assembly. Cyclohexyl isocyanate also plays a part in the production process of some types of composite materials, providing superior properties in terms of strength and flexibility to the final products.
Finally, cyclohexyl isocyanate also has a role in the field of research and development, where it is used to prepare other complex organic compounds.
4. How does Cyclohexyl isocyanate affect workers?
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (CHIC) is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems upon exposure. Workers in industries using CHIC can be affected by this substance through skin contact, inhalation of vapors, or ingestion.
Some of the health effects of CHIC on workers include:
- Skin irritation: Contact with CHIC can cause skin irritation, leading to redness, itching, dryness, and cracking. In more severe cases, exposure can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
- Eye irritation: CHIC can irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, tearing, and pain. Direct contact of CHIC with the eyes can cause severe damage.
- Respiratory system: Inhaling CHIC vapor can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and pneumonia. Long-term exposure to CHIC can cause permanent lung damage.
- Digestive system: Ingesting CHIC can cause irritation to the digestive system, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Nervous system: Exposure to CHIC can affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes.
- Cancer: Some studies have shown a link between exposure to CHIC and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including lung and prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this link.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cyclohexyl isocyanate for human exposure
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (CHIC) is a toxic substance and can cause serious health problems if exposed. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that the concentration of CHIC in the working and surrounding environment does not exceed safe levels.
The permissible safe concentration of CHIC for human exposure depends on many factors, including the duration of exposure, the route of exposure (skin, inhalation, ingestion), the individual’s health, and their sensitivity to CHIC. However, occupational health and safety regulatory agencies worldwide have established occupational exposure limits (OELs) for CHIC to protect workers’ health.
An OEL is the maximum permissible concentration of a hazardous substance in the workplace air over a specific period. OELs for CHIC are typically expressed as a time-weighted average (TWA) or a short-term exposure limit (STEL). The TWA is the average concentration of a hazardous substance in the air over an 8-hour workday. The STEL is the maximum concentration of a hazardous substance in the air for a short period (usually 15 minutes).
Different occupational health and safety regulatory agencies may have different OELs for CHIC. For example, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set an OEL for CHIC of 0.005 ppm (TWA) and 0.025 ppm (STEL). Meanwhile, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set an OEL for CHIC of 0.005 ppm (TWA) and 0.02 ppm (STEL).
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cyclohexyl isocyanate. 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 effects of Cyclohexyl isocyanate on workers’ health
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (CHIC) is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems if exposed. To protect the health of workers, businesses using CHIC must implement measures to minimize the effects of this substance.
Some measures to minimize the effects of CHIC on workers’ health include:
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers exposed to CHIC must be provided with suitable PPE such as protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses, and respirators. Ensure good ventilation: Work areas where CHIC is used must be well-ventilated to reduce the concentration of CHIC in the air.
- Implement exposure controls: Businesses should implement exposure control measures to minimize worker contact with CHIC. This may include changing work processes, using enclosed systems, and automating tasks involving contact with CHIC.
- Monitor CHIC concentration in the air: Businesses need to monitor the concentration of CHIC in the air to ensure it does not exceed the occupational exposure limit (OEL).
- Provide chemical safety training: Workers must be trained in chemical safety, including how to use personal protective equipment, recognize signs of exposure to CHIC, and how to respond in case of exposure.
- Conduct regular health check-ups: Workers exposed to CHIC should undergo regular health check-ups to detect any health problems related to exposure to this substance early.
- Create conditions for workers to report health issues: Workers should be enabled to report health problems related to CHIC exposure without fear of retribution.
By implementing these measures to mitigate the health effects of CHIC, businesses can protect their employees’ health and comply with chemical safety regulations.
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 frequently to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels 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 monitoring and measurement of workplace environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. 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 technology, engineering, 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 cost incentives.
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 workplace environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our quotation 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
