Working environment factors
How does Hexachloro benzene affect workers’ health?
Nov
Hexachloro benzene (C6Cl6) is a chemical used in many industrial processes, but it also poses many risks to workers’ health. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the health effects of this chemical, from acute to long-term harm, while also proposing necessary safety measures in the work environment.
1. What is Hexachloro benzene?
Hexachloro benzene, with the chemical formula C6Cl6, is an organic compound containing six chlorine atoms bonded to a benzene ring. It is an industrial chemical that typically appears as a white crystalline powder, insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents. Due to its stable and persistent nature, hexachloro benzene was once widely used in agriculture and industry, particularly as a fungicide to protect crops.
However, this chemical is highly toxic and readily accumulates in the environment as well as in biological tissues, making it one of the persistent organic pollutants. The chemical properties of C6Cl6 make it not only stable in the environment but also resistant to biodegradation, leading to its long-term persistence in soil, water, and air, which can then affect human health and other organisms through the food chain.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hexaclo benzen | Hexachloro benzene | 29039200 | 118-74-1 | C6Cl6 |
See more: Chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does Hexachloro benzene originate from in the production process?
The source of hexachloro benzene in the production process usually comes from industrial processes involving chlorination, especially in the chemical and agricultural industries. During the production of products such as pesticides, fungicides, and many other industrial chemicals, this compound can be formed as an unintentional byproduct when chlorination reactions occur. The manufacturing of plastics, solvents, and some other chemicals can also generate hexachloro benzene, particularly when organic compounds are exposed to chlorine under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Additionally, the incineration of industrial and domestic waste can also release hexachloro benzene into the environment, especially when waste containing chlorine compounds or PVC plastic is burned.
3. Industries that use Hexachloro benzene in production
The chemical and agricultural industries are the two main sectors that use hexachloro benzene in their production processes. In agriculture, this chemical was formerly used as a fungicide to protect crops from pathogenic microorganisms, especially grains and other agricultural products. Although its use has been reduced due to health and environmental risks, some areas may still have exposure to this chemical due to its persistence from past use.
In the chemical industry, hexachloro benzene can be generated during the production of chlorinated organic compounds, such as various types of pesticides, herbicides, and many other industrial chemicals. Plants manufacturing solvents, plastics, and some plasticizers may also be associated with the generation of hexachloro benzene due to the nature of processes using high temperatures and pressures. These industries not only face the risk of direct emission of hexachloro benzene but can also lead to environmental pollution when this substance enters the air, water, and soil around the production area.
Furthermore, the waste treatment and recycling industry can also be a source of hexachloro benzene, especially when processing types of waste containing chlorinated compounds.
4. How does Hexachloro benzene affect workers?
The compound C6Cl6 can cause serious health effects for workers who are directly or indirectly exposed in a production environment. When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, it can cause a range of health problems, including acute symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. These reactions are not only uncomfortable but also affect the worker’s ability to work and concentrate during a shift.
Beyond short-term effects, long-term exposure to C6Cl6 can lead to more serious health risks, including problems with the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. This chemical tends to accumulate in the body over time, especially in fatty tissue, thereby posing a risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Workers in environments containing this compound may experience endocrine disorders, a weakened immune system, and adverse effects on reproductive health.
Because of its persistence and accumulation in the environment as well as in the human body, C6Cl6 can also cause indirect harm through contact with contaminated surfaces and air around the production area. This not only affects the individual health of workers but can also have widespread impacts on the surrounding community if the chemical spreads outside the factory premises.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexachloro benzene for human exposure
To ensure the safety of workers in environments containing C6Cl6, health and occupational safety organizations worldwide have established maximum permissible exposure limits for this chemical. The permissible safe concentration in the air is usually determined based on the level to which a person can be exposed over a certain period without causing adverse health effects. According to international regulations, the concentration of hexachloro benzene in the workplace air should not exceed 0.002 mg/m³. This is a limit aimed at minimizing the potential health risks from regular exposure.
This limit is based on studies of the toxicity and accumulation potential of C6Cl6 in the human body. The level of 0.002 mg/m³ allows workers to be exposed while remaining safe during an 8-hour workday, 40 hours per week.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Hexachloro benzene 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 benzene on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of C6Cl6 on workers’ health, implementing strict safety measures is essential. First, during the production process, businesses should install effective ventilation and air filtration systems to reduce the concentration of the chemical in the air. These systems help prevent toxic gases from spreading throughout the factory, while also creating a well-ventilated workspace, reducing the risk of workers inhaling the chemical over long periods.
In addition to ventilation systems, providing personal protective equipment for workers is an indispensable factor. Protective gear such as respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, and specialized protective clothing will help reduce the risk of direct contact through the skin and respiratory system. Businesses must ensure that this equipment is used correctly and is regularly inspected and replaced when necessary to maintain maximum protective effectiveness.
Furthermore, workers need to be trained on safe procedures when working with C6Cl6. The training course should include knowledge on how to identify risks, methods for handling situations when a chemical leak occurs, and how to administer first aid in case of an incident. By being equipped with knowledge, workers will be better able to protect themselves and react quickly in emergencies.
Finally, periodic health check-ups for workers are an essential measure to detect early any abnormal signs due to chemical exposure. Specialized medical tests can help detect the accumulation of chemicals in the body, thereby allowing for timely intervention if there is a health risk.
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.
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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.
