Working environment factors
How does Ethylene oxide affect workers’ health?
Nov
Ethylene oxide (C2H4O) is a common industrial chemical, but it can cause serious health effects for workers. This article will help you understand the impact of Ethylene oxide on health, the potential risks, and the necessary protective measures in the work environment.
1. What is Ethylene oxide?
C2H4O is the chemical formula for Ethylene oxide, a colorless organic compound in gas form with a sweet odor. It is a flammable gas, primarily produced through the oxidation of ethylene. Ethylene oxide is soluble in water and many organic solvents, and it is one of the key compounds used in the chemical industry.
In industrial applications, Ethylene oxide is commonly used to produce ethylene glycol, a major component in antifreeze, coolants, and polymer products. Additionally, Ethylene oxide plays a crucial role in the production of pharmaceuticals, detergents, and disinfectants. However, despite its many applications, Ethylene oxide also poses a risk of harm if not used correctly and without appropriate protective measures.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Etylen oxit | Ethylene oxide | 29101000 | 75-21-8 | C2H4O |
See more: Chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Ethylene oxide originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, Ethylene oxide is mainly generated from the chemical reaction between ethylene and oxygen. This is the oxidation process of ethylene, carried out under high temperature and pressure with the help of a catalyst. This reaction produces Ethylene oxide, a volatile and flammable compound.
Additionally, Ethylene oxide can also arise from other sources during production, such as in emission recycling processes or in chemical plants that use this compound. Equipment or systems that contain or transport Ethylene oxide can release this gas during operation if not properly maintained or controlled. These sources can cause leaks, increasing the risk of exposure to Ethylene oxide for workers in the production environment.
3. Industries that use Ethylene oxide in production
Ethylene oxide is widely used in many different industries due to its special chemical properties. One of the main industries that uses Ethylene oxide is chemical manufacturing, especially in the production of ethylene glycol, an important compound in antifreeze, coolants, and polymer products. In addition, Ethylene oxide is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce various drugs, especially those that require sterilization or long-term preservation.
The food and beverage industry also uses Ethylene oxide in some sterilization processes, particularly in treating food to kill bacteria and pathogens. The healthcare sector is another important field where Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize medical instruments such as syringes, surgical tools, and other medical devices. Furthermore, Ethylene oxide is also applied in the manufacturing of cosmetics, detergents, and some other consumer products.
4. How does Ethylene oxide affect workers?
When exposed to Ethylene oxide, workers can experience serious health effects, especially in work environments with leaks or inadequate protective measures. Vapors of Ethylene oxide can enter the body through the respiratory tract, causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Workers may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, or red, itchy eyes upon exposure to this gas.
In the long run, exposure to Ethylene oxide can lead to more serious health problems, including pneumonia, nervous system damage, and digestive issues. Some studies also indicate that exposure to Ethylene oxide can increase the risk of cancer, particularly lung and breast cancer. These risks become more severe with high levels of exposure or prolonged contact without adequate protection.
In addition to physical health problems, exposure to Ethylene oxide can also affect the mental health of workers. Those working in environments with Ethylene oxide gas may feel anxious, stressed, and fatigued due to the negative effects of this chemical.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethylene oxide for human exposure
To ensure worker safety, health and occupational safety agencies have established permissible concentration levels of Ethylene oxide in the air to minimize health risks from long-term exposure to this gas. The permissible safe concentration of Ethylene oxide in the work environment is typically regulated according to standards from organizations such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).
According to these standards, the concentration of Ethylene oxide in the air should not exceed 1 part per million (ppm) over an 8-hour work period (time-weighted average – TWA). For short-term exposures, the concentration should not exceed 5 ppm over a 15-minute period. However, these levels may vary depending on the regulations of each country and the specific characteristics of each industry.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Ethylene oxide. 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 mitigate the effects of Ethylene oxide on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of Ethylene oxide on workers, protective measures must be strictly implemented in the work environment. One of the most important measures is to ensure good ventilation in areas where Ethylene oxide is used. The ventilation system must be designed and operated so that Ethylene oxide gas is quickly removed from the workspace, reducing its concentration to a safe level. This helps limit the accumulation of Ethylene oxide in the air, thereby reducing the risk of direct exposure to workers.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Equipment such as respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and full-body protective suits will help protect workers from direct contact with Ethylene oxide. This equipment must be chosen appropriately for the level and type of work, and workers need to be trained on how to use it correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Another important measure is the regular monitoring of Ethylene oxide concentrations in the work air. Companies need to implement automatic or manual measurement systems to check the concentration of this gas throughout the work process. If the concentration is found to exceed safe levels, timely corrective actions must be taken, such as increasing ventilation or requiring workers to use more robust protective equipment.
Furthermore, training workers about the health risks and preventive measures when working with Ethylene oxide is extremely important. Regular training courses will help workers become more aware of the dangers and how to protect themselves in the work environment.
Finally, industrial facilities also need to strictly comply with occupational safety and health regulations from authorities to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
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 work environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and then adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Work Environment Monitoring Center
The Work Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of work 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 WORK ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, addressing, and tracking work environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is dedicated to customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With its investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, the Nam Viet monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in the field of work 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.
- Along with a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also receive the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Work Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct work environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our clients a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for work environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Clients 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 table, clients can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of satisfaction through our professional quality service.
