Working environment factors
How does Sulfuric acid affect workers’ health?
Oct
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a common chemical in industry, but do you know how it affects the health of workers? This article will explore the dangerous impacts of sulfuric acid on health, from short-term to long-term symptoms, along with the necessary protective measures.
1. What is Sulfuric acid?
This chemical, with the formula H2SO4, is a strong and highly corrosive acid. Sulfuric acid exists as a colorless, highly viscous liquid. It is known as one of the most important chemicals in industry, widely used in the production of fertilizers, chemicals, and in petroleum refining processes.
When it comes to its chemical properties, sulfuric acid reacts strongly with many substances, including water, metals, and organic compounds. When in contact with water, sulfuric acid generates intense heat and can cause severe burns. Its corrosive nature makes it a serious hazard in the workplace, especially in manufacturing plants.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axít sunfuric | Sulfuric acid | 2807.00.00 | 7664-93-9 | H2SO4 |
See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Where does Sulfuric acid originate from in the production process?
In the production process, the main sources of sulfuric acid are industries such as fertilizer and chemical production, and petroleum refining. The fertilizer production process often uses sulfuric acid to convert phosphate into a form that is easily absorbed by plants. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in producing other acids like nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.
Besides being produced directly, sulfuric acid can also be generated from chemical reactions in other processing procedures. For instance, when sulfur is burned in the air, it produces sulfur dioxide gas, which then reacts with oxygen and water to form sulfuric acid. This commonly occurs in chemical plants where sulfur is processed.
Sources of sulfuric acid can also come from other industrial activities such as wastewater treatment, where the acid may be used to adjust pH levels.
3. Industries that use Sulfuric acid in production
Many different industries use sulfuric acid in their production processes, where it plays a vital role in chemical procedures. The fertilizer manufacturing industry is one of the largest sectors, where sulfuric acid is used to produce superphosphate and ammonium sulfate, which help improve crop yields.
The chemical industry also relies heavily on sulfuric acid, using it to synthesize and produce other acids like nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. Furthermore, sulfuric acid is used in metal processing, where it helps remove impurities and clean metal surfaces before fabrication.
In the petroleum industry, sulfuric acid is used in the refining process to help separate unwanted components and improve product quality. Moreover, it is also present in the lead-acid battery manufacturing industry, where it acts as an electrolyte to generate energy.
Besides these, sulfuric acid is also used in other fields such as wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical production, and synthetic fiber manufacturing.
4. How does Sulfuric acid affect workers?
Exposure to sulfuric acid can cause serious health effects for workers. When inhaling sulfuric acid vapor or fumes, workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and respiratory tract irritation. In cases of direct contact with the skin or eyes, sulfuric acid can cause severe burns, damaging cells and causing pain, redness, and blistering.
The long-term effects of sulfuric acid exposure cannot be overlooked. Workers who are regularly in an environment with sulfuric acid are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and even other lung diseases. Additionally, prolonged exposure can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, due to the stress and concern over occupational safety.
Particularly, those working in industries such as fertilizer or chemical manufacturing are at a higher risk because they are frequently exposed to sulfuric acid without proper protective measures.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Sulfuric acid for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of sulfuric acid for human exposure is regulated by standards and guidelines from health organizations and environmental protection agencies. According to these standards, the maximum permissible limit in the air is very low, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 mg/m³. This means that any level exceeding this limit can be hazardous to workers’ health.
When working with sulfuric acid, controlling its concentration in the air is crucial. Companies must often implement monitoring measures to ensure that the sulfuric acid concentration does not exceed the permissible level. This includes using effective ventilation systems, devices to measure chemical concentrations in the air, and conducting regular inspections to assess working conditions.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Sulfuric acid 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 effects of Sulfuric acid on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of sulfuric acid on workers, implementing safety measures is essential. First, training and raising awareness among employees about the risks associated with sulfuric acid is critically important. Workers need to be clearly instructed on how to identify and handle hazardous situations, as well as how to use personal protective equipment effectively.
Second, the work environment must be equipped with an adequate ventilation system. This system helps maintain the concentration of sulfuric acid in the air at a safe level while removing harmful vapors from the workspace. Regular air quality checks are also necessary to promptly detect and address any pollution-related issues.
Additionally, personal protective equipment such as vapor-resistant masks, gloves, and protective clothing should be used regularly. This equipment not only helps prevent direct contact with sulfuric acid but also protects workers from other negative effects of this chemical.
Finally, implementing proper procedures for handling and storing sulfuric acid also plays a crucial role in minimizing risks. This chemical should be stored in secure containers, clearly labeled, and placed in designated areas to limit the possibility of unintended exposure. All these measures need to be implemented in a coordinated manner to ensure the health and safety of workers in environments where sulfuric acid is present.
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 adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational 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. Nationwide Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of occupational 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 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, processing, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of their 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 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, we aim 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. You will also get the best offers on costs.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
