How does Benzal chloride affect workers’ health?

How does Benzal chloride affect workers' health?
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Benzal chloride (C7H6Cl2) is a common chemical in industrial production but poses many risks to workers’ health. From respiratory issues and skin irritation to the risk of long-term damage, this article will help you understand the effects of this chemical and how to protect yourself safely.

1. What is Benzal chloride?

As an organic compound belonging to the chlorinated compound group, C7H6Cl2 is known as benzal chloride. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor, often used in industrial processes to synthesize other organic compounds, especially in the production of plastics, plasticizers, and dyes.

This compound is formed from a benzene ring bonded to two chlorine atoms and a methyl group, giving it special chemical properties. It is insoluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or ether. With this property, benzal chloride is considered an important raw material in the chemical industry.

No. Chemical Name in Vietnamese Chemical Name in English HS Code CAS Number Chemical Formula
1. Benzal clorua Benzal chloride 29039900 98-87-3 C7H6Cl2

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 Benzal chloride originate from in the production process?

In industrial production, benzal chloride is often created from the chlorination of toluene under strictly controlled conditions. This process occurs when chlorine gas reacts with toluene at high temperatures, in the presence of light or a catalyst, leading to the formation of intermediate products such as benzal chloride.

The chemical industries, especially the production of plastics, dyes, and pesticides, often generate benzal chloride as a raw material or by-product. In addition, organic chemical manufacturing facilities, where chlorination reactions are carried out to create various compounds, are also major sources of this compound.


3. Industries that use Benzal chloride in production

Benzal chloride is widely used in many industries due to its unique chemical properties. One of the main fields that use this compound is the plastics manufacturing industry, where it is used as a raw material to synthesize polymers and plasticizers. It is an indispensable component in creating plastic products with special mechanical and chemical properties.

In addition, the chemical industry also uses benzal chloride to produce other organic compounds such as dyes and chemical intermediates. This compound is often involved in chemical reactions to create high-value products in the textile and paint manufacturing industries.

The agricultural sector is also involved in the use of benzal chloride in the production of pesticides. It is an important component for synthesizing certain types of chemicals that help control pests and protect crops.


4. How does Benzal chloride affect workers?

Exposure to benzal chloride in the workplace can cause many adverse health effects for workers. One of the most common effects is skin and eye irritation. Upon direct contact, benzal chloride can cause redness, itching, or dermatitis, especially in sensitive skin areas. In addition, if this chemical gets into the eyes, it can cause severe eye burns and reduce vision.

Inhaling benzal chloride vapor in the air is also a major health risk for workers. When inhaled, this compound can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, or long-term problems such as pneumonia or bronchial diseases. These symptoms often become more severe with prolonged exposure or if workers are in a poorly ventilated environment.

Furthermore, some studies have also shown that excessive exposure to benzal chloride can lead to neurological problems and affect overall health. These risks become even more worrying when workers are not fully equipped with personal protective equipment or do not follow proper safety procedures.


5. Permissible safe concentration of Benzal chloride for human exposure

The safe concentration of benzal chloride for human exposure is regulated to protect workers’ health and minimize the harmful effects caused by this chemical. Depending on the country and regulatory agency, the maximum concentration of benzal chloride in the workplace air is determined through occupational standards. Organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the US and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists) have issued permissible exposure limits in the work environment.

According to these standards, the concentration of benzal chloride in the air should not exceed 0.5 ppm (parts per million) during a working hour. However, this concentration may vary depending on the specific regulations of each country or production facility.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Benzal chloride. 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 Benzal chloride on workers’ health

To minimize the health effects of benzal chloride on workers, applying safety measures is crucial. First and foremost, production facilities must ensure the work environment has an effective ventilation system to reduce the concentration of benzal chloride in the air. This not only helps remove toxic vapors but also creates a safe working condition for employees, limiting the risk of inhaling harmful particles or gases.

In addition to improving the ventilation system, companies must also provide adequate personal protective equipment for those working with benzal chloride. Specialized respirators capable of filtering toxic gases, gloves, safety goggles, and full-body protective suits are essential items to protect the body from the harmful effects of the chemical. Workers should be instructed and monitored on the correct use of this equipment.

Besides, occupational safety training programs are also very important. Workers need to be fully trained on the risks of exposure to benzal chloride, how to recognize signs of health problems caused by this chemical, and how to respond in case of an incident. This helps them to be proactive in protecting themselves and to quickly handle dangerous situations.

Finally, factories need to implement periodic health check-up programs for workers, especially for those who have worked with benzal chloride for a long time. Early detection of any abnormal signs will help with timely treatment and prevent long-term diseases related to this chemical.

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.
Official letter from the Department of Health agreeing to the announcement of eligibility to conduct workplace environment monitoring activities
  • 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.

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