Working environment factors
How does Hexachloro cyclohexane affect workers’ health?
Nov
Hexachloro cyclohexane (C6H6Cl6) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but long-term exposure can cause serious effects on workers’ health. Let’s explore the potential health risks and protective measures when working with this chemical.
1. What is Hexachloro cyclohexane?
C6H6Cl6, also known as hexachloro cyclohexane, is a chemical compound with a structure consisting of six chlorine atoms attached to a cyclohexane ring. This chemical formula reflects the combination of three main elements: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and chlorine (Cl). With this structure, it belongs to the group of halogenated cyclohexanes.
Hexachloro cyclohexane exists as a solid, colorless or pale white crystal, and is readily soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, benzene, or ether. This product is widely used in many fields, especially in agriculture, where it is used as a plant protection agent. However, its toxicity requires that its use and handling adhere to strict safety regulations.
Isomers of hexachloro cyclohexane, such as lindane, are also present in this structure, with some isomers being used in the treatment of skin diseases or as pesticides. Hexachloro cyclohexane not only affects human health but also has adverse effects on the environment if not handled properly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hexaclo xyclohexan | Hexachloro cyclohexane | 29038100 | 608-73-1 | C6H6Cl6 |
See more: Chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does Hexachloro cyclohexane originate from in the production process?
In the production process, hexachloro cyclohexane is primarily generated from the synthesis of chlorine-containing compounds. This process usually begins with the reaction between cyclohexane and chlorine under high temperature and pressure conditions. This combination creates hexachloro cyclohexane and other by-products. Depending on the conditions and production method, the proportion of hexachloro cyclohexane can vary.
Furthermore, in the agricultural industry, hexachloro cyclohexane is also produced during the synthesis of pesticides like lindane. Its presence in the production environment is often related to the use of these chemicals in manufacturing or storage. When products containing hexachloro cyclohexane are improperly handled or disposed of, the compound can be released into the air, water, and soil, posing a risk to human, animal, and plant health.
3. Industries that use Hexachloro cyclohexane in production
In manufacturing, hexachloro cyclohexane is mainly used in the agricultural industry, particularly in the formulation of pesticides. One of the most common applications is the production of lindane, a compound widely used to protect crops from harmful insects. Therefore, pesticide manufacturing plants are among the largest users of hexachloro cyclohexane.
Besides agriculture, this compound also appears in the chemical industry, where it is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds. Industries such as textiles and plastics manufacturing may also use hexachloro cyclohexane or its derivatives in some specific applications, although the level of use is lower than in agriculture.
Additionally, some other industries, such as the production of medical drugs or disinfectants, may also use hexachloro cyclohexane, although it is not as common as in the agricultural sector.
4. How does Hexachloro cyclohexane affect workers?
Exposure to hexachloro cyclohexane can cause many serious health effects for workers, especially in production environments lacking safety protection measures. When inhaling the vapor of this compound, workers may experience respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to hexachloro cyclohexane can also lead to poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
In addition, direct skin contact can cause irritation or skin problems like dermatitis. Some studies show that hexachloro cyclohexane can cause liver and kidney damage, affecting the function of these organs. Particularly for workers in pesticide or chemical manufacturing plants, the risk of continuous exposure to this compound can lead to its accumulation in the body, causing more serious health problems over time.
Furthermore, hexachloro cyclohexane has also been identified as a potential carcinogen, increasing the risk of cancers, especially breast and blood cancer. These risks are heightened if workers are not adequately protected and do not comply with occupational safety regulations when exposed to this chemical.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexachloro cyclohexane for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of hexachloro cyclohexane for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations to protect the health of workers in the work environment. These regulations often depend on the level of exposure and the nature of the worker’s job.
According to international standards, the maximum permissible concentration of hexachloro cyclohexane in the air is very low, to minimize the risk of poisoning or long-term health problems. In many countries, this concentration level is limited to around 0.1 mg/m3 in the work environment, meaning the amount of hexachloro cyclohexane in the air must not exceed this level throughout a work shift.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Hexachloro cyclohexane 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 Hexachloro cyclohexane on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of hexachloro cyclohexane on workers, protective measures and control of the work environment are extremely important. One of the most basic and effective measures is to control the concentration of hexachloro cyclohexane in the air. Factories and production facilities must ensure adequate ventilation systems to dilute and remove this compound from the air. Installing exhaust fans and ventilation fans in high-risk areas will reduce the amount of toxic gas entering the work environment.
In addition, providing personal protective equipment for workers is also a crucial measure. Workers should use chemical-resistant masks, protective gloves, and protective clothing when in direct contact with hexachloro cyclohexane. This helps prevent the chemical from entering through the respiratory tract and skin contact, reducing the risk of respiratory and skin diseases.
Companies also need to implement training and education programs for workers on safety measures when working with hazardous chemicals like hexachloro cyclohexane. Raising awareness of the risks and protective measures will help workers comply with safety regulations more effectively.
Furthermore, periodic health monitoring for workers is an important measure to detect early signs of poisoning. Medical tests and regular health check-ups will help detect health problems related to the chemical in a timely manner, allowing for appropriate intervention and treatment.
In summary, to minimize the health effects of hexachloro cyclohexane on workers, a combination of measures is needed, such as controlling chemical concentrations in the air, using personal protective equipment, providing occupational safety training, and conducting regular health monitoring. These measures will help protect workers’ health, reduce risks, and improve work efficiency in environments where this chemical is used.
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.
