Lysergic acid (C16H16N2O2) is a common chemical in many production processes. However, its impact on the health of workers in factories is a concerning issue. This article will delve into the effects of lysergic acid on health, from mild symptoms to the serious risks that workers may face when working in an environment where this chemical is used. Let’s find out more to protect your own health and that of your colleagues!
1. What is Lysergic acid?
With the chemical formula C16H16N2O2, Lysergic acid is an organic compound belonging to the alkaloid group, extracted from the ergot fungus and some other plant species. This compound is notable for its complex structure, which includes multiple carbon and nitrogen rings, giving it special properties and important applications in medicine and industry.
Lysergic acid is often used as a precursor in the synthesis of other compounds, especially LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), a powerful hallucinogen. However, besides its use in medicine, lysergic acid is also utilized in some industrial sectors, such as the production of pesticides and other industrial chemicals.
Due to its chemical properties, lysergic acid can interact with receptors in the human body, thereby affecting the nervous system and physiological functions. This means that workers in environments containing lysergic acid need to understand it well to take measures to protect their own health and that of their colleagues. Knowledge about lysergic acid and its effects is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring safety in the workplace.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axít lysergic | Lysergic acid | 29396300 | 82-58-6 | C16H16N2O2 |
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2. Where does Lysergic acid originate from in the production process?
Lysergic acid originates mainly from the ergot fungus, a type of fungus that grows on rye and some other grains. The ergot fungus contains many alkaloids, with lysergic acid being one of the main compounds. When grains are infected with the ergot fungus, lysergic acid is formed naturally during the fungus’s growth. The process of extracting lysergic acid from the ergot fungus typically involves several steps, including harvesting the fungus, chemical processing, and purification.
In addition to its natural origin, lysergic acid can also be synthesized artificially in a laboratory. Scientists can prepare this compound through chemical synthesis, using starting materials such as tryptophan, an amino acid found in many foods. This chemical synthesis method allows for the efficient production of lysergic acid with controlled purity.

3. Industries that use Lysergic acid in production
This compound is used in various industries, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. In the pharmaceutical industry, lysergic acid is often used as a precursor to synthesize compounds with biological activity, such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and some drugs for treating psychiatric disorders. The application of lysergic acid in medicine requires strict control and safe production processes to ensure product quality and protect workers’ health.
Besides the pharmaceutical industry, lysergic acid is also used in the chemical manufacturing industry. Chemical production companies may use this compound to create other chemicals, including pesticides and other organic compounds. Lysergic acid can play an important role in developing highly effective and environmentally friendly products.
The food industry may also use lysergic acid in some food processing procedures, although this is not common.
4. How does Lysergic acid affect workers?
It can affect workers’ health in various ways, depending on the level of exposure and individual factors such as age, gender, and current health status. When workers are in an environment where lysergic acid is used, they may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, affecting both their physical and mental well-being.
One of the first impacts workers might experience is neurological symptoms. Individuals exposed to lysergic acid may feel dizzy, have headaches, and find it difficult to concentrate. These symptoms can make it hard to perform daily tasks and affect work productivity. In some cases, lysergic acid can cause psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of unreality, making workers feel worried and uncomfortable in the work environment.
Furthermore, lysergic acid can also cause physical effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and digestive disorders. If workers are exposed to high concentrations of this compound for a long period, the risk of developing serious conditions like liver damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems increases. This not only affects personal health but can also lead to high medical costs and reduced ability to work.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Lysergic acid for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of lysergic acid for human exposure is a critical factor in protecting workers’ health. Health and occupational safety organizations often establish standards and regulations regarding chemical concentrations in the work environment to minimize the risk of illness for workers. However, because lysergic acid is not commonly found on widely regulated chemical lists, determining a safe concentration can be challenging.
According to existing research, the concentration of lysergic acid in the air or work environment should be maintained at the lowest possible level to ensure safety. Many experts recommend that the concentration of lysergic acid should not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ in the working air to minimize the risk of causing uncomfortable symptoms and long-term health effects. This level has been determined based on studies of the toxicity of lysergic acid to the nervous system and the body’s physiological functions.

At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Lysergic 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 chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Lysergic acid on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of lysergic acid on workers’ health, implementing safety measures is essential in work environments where this chemical is used. First and foremost, companies and factories need to conduct risk assessments to determine the level of exposure to lysergic acid and its impact on workers’ health. This will help them get an overview of the risk factors and develop appropriate plans to protect employees’ health.
One of the most important measures is to improve ventilation in work areas. A good ventilation system will help reduce the concentration of lysergic acid in the air, thereby limiting workers’ exposure to this chemical. Additionally, the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, also plays a crucial role in preventing direct contact with lysergic acid. Workers must be fully equipped with appropriate protective gear and instructed on how to use it correctly to ensure maximum safety.
Training is also an indispensable element in mitigating the effects of lysergic acid. Workers need to be informed about the risks associated with this chemical, as well as how to recognize the symptoms and signs of exposure. Organizing regular training sessions helps raise employees’ awareness and responsibility for protecting their own health and that of their colleagues.
Furthermore, companies should also implement periodic health monitoring for their workers. Regular health check-ups help to detect any abnormal signs early and intervene promptly, thereby minimizing the risk of diseases related to lysergic acid. These health screening programs should include tests related to liver, kidney, and nervous system function to ensure that workers are not severely affected by this chemical.
In summary, applying measures to minimize the effects of lysergic acid on workers’ health is not only the responsibility of companies but also the duty of every worker. When each individual is aware of the importance of protecting their health in the workplace, we will build a safer and healthier working environment for everyone.
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 frequently to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for 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, processing, and tracking issues related to the working environment. 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 personnel, 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and 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 provides our customers with a quotation table for workplace environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and result reporting. 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 quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.

