Tartaric acid (C4H6O6) is a common chemical in many industries, but how does it affect the health of workers? This article will analyze the potential impacts of tartaric acid, from pathological symptoms to necessary preventive measures, helping to protect the health of those working in a production environment.
1. What is Tartaric acid?
C4H6O6, a type of organic acid, is commonly found in nature and plays an important role in many chemical processes. Known as tartaric acid, this compound is primarily derived from grapes and other fruits. In industry, tartaric acid is widely used in the production of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Tartaric acid has the ability to form tartrate salts and is applied in many fields, such as a stabilizer for wine, providing sourness to food, and as a key ingredient in many processed products. Additionally, this compound also plays a role in fermentation processes and can affect the flavor of products made from grapes.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axít tartaric | Tartaric acid | 2918.12.00 | 526-83-0 | C4H6O6 |
See more: Chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Tartaric acid originate from in the production process?
The origin of tartaric acid primarily comes from the winemaking process. During fermentation, grapes release tartaric acid, which forms a crucial part of the wine’s structure and flavor. As grapes ripen, tartaric acid accumulates in the fruit, and when the grapes are pressed, this acid is released into the grape juice.
In addition, tartaric acid can also be extracted from other plant sources, such as citrus fruits or some types of vegetables. However, most of the tartaric acid used in industry today is often produced through chemical synthesis methods. This process typically involves treating organic compounds to create tartaric acid in a more efficient and economical way.
In manufacturing plants, tartaric acid can appear from the production processes of food, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer products. When using tartaric acid in production, ensuring the origin and quality of this compound is very important, not only to achieve effectiveness in the product but also to protect the health of the workers who come into contact with it.

3. Industries that use Tartaric acid in production
Tartaric acid is widely used in many different industries due to its chemical properties and diverse applications. One of the main industries that use this acid is the wine production industry. During fermentation, tartaric acid helps to adjust the pH, improving the stability and flavor of the wine. It also plays an important role in preventing the formation of unwanted crystals in the wine bottle.
Besides the wine industry, tartaric acid is also used in the food industry. It is often used as an acidity regulator and a stabilizer for products such as pastries, candies, and carbonated drinks. Tartaric acid not only improves flavor but also helps to preserve food, keeping products fresh and appealing.
The pharmaceutical industry is also a significant field for the use of tartaric acid. It is often used as an ingredient in various drugs, helping to improve the solubility and absorption of the medication in the body. Furthermore, tartaric acid is also used in the production of cosmetics, where it acts as a natural exfoliant and skin softener.
With the development of technology and market demand, the use of tartaric acid in various industries is continuously increasing.
4. How does Tartaric acid affect workers?
Exposure to tartaric acid in the workplace can cause several effects on workers’ health. One of the main impacts is irritation to the skin and eyes. Upon direct contact with tartaric acid, workers may experience symptoms such as skin redness, itching, or even a burning sensation. If this compound splashes into the eyes, it can lead to a painful, burning sensation and redness, and must be rinsed out immediately to avoid serious injury.
In addition to skin and eye problems, inhaling dust or vapor from tartaric acid can also affect the respiratory system. People working in environments with high concentrations of tartaric acid may experience symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or irritation of the nose and throat. This is particularly dangerous for individuals with a history of lung disease or other respiratory conditions.
Another important factor to consider is the long-term health impact of tartaric acid. Although there is not yet comprehensive research on chronic health issues related to prolonged exposure to this compound, symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or a feeling of discomfort may appear if workers are regularly in an environment containing tartaric acid without protective measures.
To minimize health risks, implementing safety measures is essential.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Tartaric acid for human exposure
The safe concentration of tartaric acid for human exposure is a critical issue that needs to be considered to protect workers’ health. According to chemical safety standards, the concentration of tartaric acid in the air must be limited to minimize the risk of harm to health. Studies show that the maximum permissible concentration of tartaric acid in the work environment is typically regulated at around 5 mg/m³. This is the level that the human body can tolerate without causing serious symptoms.
When the concentration exceeds this level, the risk of experiencing negative health effects increases significantly. Maintaining the concentration of tartaric acid below the regulated level not only helps protect workers from irritation symptoms but also prevents respiratory problems that can occur from inhaling dust or vapor from this chemical. To ensure that the concentration of tartaric acid always remains within safe limits, manufacturing plants need to implement regular monitoring and air quality checks.
In addition, training workers to recognize the signs of exposure to high concentrations is also very necessary. They should be instructed on how to handle symptoms such as difficulty breathing, itchy skin, or any other unusual signs. Besides, preventive measures such as using personal protective equipment, an effective ventilation system, and safe work procedures will help reduce the risks associated with exposure to tartaric acid in a production environment.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Tartaric 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 Tartaric acid on workers’ health
Minimizing the effects of tartaric acid on workers’ health is essential to ensure safety in the workplace. One of the first important measures is to provide adequate training to employees about the risks associated with exposure to this chemical. Workers need to be able to recognize the symptoms of tartaric acid exposure and how to handle emergency situations.
In addition to training, personal protective equipment also plays a crucial role in protecting health. Employees working in an environment where tartaric acid is used should wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to minimize direct contact with the chemical. The use of protective clothing also helps prevent the acid from coming into contact with the skin, thereby reducing the risk of irritation and burns.
An effective ventilation system in the work area is an indispensable element. Ensuring fresh and well-circulated air will help dilute the concentration of tartaric acid in the air, thus reducing the risk of inhaling acid dust or vapor. Factories should regularly inspect and maintain the ventilation system to ensure it operates effectively.
Finally, implementing safe production procedures is necessary. Factories should establish safe work processes, including clear regulations on how to use and store tartaric acid. At the same time, there should be emergency response measures in place in case of an incident, to protect workers from negative health impacts.
All these measures not only help protect the health of workers but also contribute to improving production efficiency and creating a safer work environment.
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
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center 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 workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, 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 deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our 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 advice 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.

