Working environment factors
How does Dichromium tris (chromate) affect workers’ health?
Nov
Dichromium tris (chromate) (Cr₂(CrO₄)₃) is a toxic chemical commonly used in various industries. So, how does it affect the health of workers who are regularly exposed to it? Let’s explore the dangerous impacts and preventive measures in this article!
1. What is Dichromium tris (chromate)?
Dichromium tris (chromate), also known as Cr₂(CrO₄)₃, is a chemical compound containing two chromium ions in the +6 oxidation state. This compound is a form of hexavalent chromium, which is a very strong oxidizing agent. Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ is formed from the combination of chromate ions (CrO₄)²⁻ with Cr³⁺ ions, where two chromate groups interact with the chromium ion in the +3 state.
This compound is often found in industries that use chromium, especially in the production of materials such as paints, chrome plating, and as a catalyst in many chemical reactions. Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ is soluble in water and has a color ranging from dark purple to black. Therefore, it can be harmful to human health with long-term exposure, due to the toxic nature of hexavalent chromium, which has been proven to cause cancer and respiratory diseases.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dicrom tris | Dichromium tris (chromate) | 28415000 | 24613-89-6 | Cr₂(CrO₄)₃ |
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2. What are the sources of Dichromium tris (chromate) in the production process?
This is a chromium (Cr) containing compound that can be generated in production processes related to metal treatment and plating, as well as in the manufacturing of certain industrial materials. Specifically, this compound is primarily created in the oxidation reactions of chromite ore (FeCr₂O₄), when it is heated with compounds like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) in an oxygen-rich environment. This process helps convert the chromium in the ore from a lower state (Cr³⁺) to a hexavalent state (Cr⁶⁺), thereby producing chromate compounds, including dichromium tris (chromate).
Additionally, dichromium tris (chromate) can also appear in industrial activities such as chrome plating, the production of metal protectants, and is used in the aerospace, automotive, and machinery and metal fabrication industries.
3. Industries that use Dichromium tris (chromate) in production
Dichromium tris (chromate) is primarily used in industries that handle metal surface treatment, especially in chrome plating processes and creating protective layers for metal materials such as aluminum, steel, zinc, magnesium, titanium, and their alloys. The automotive and aerospace industries also use this substance to plate metal parts, helping them withstand harsh corrosive environments and increasing their durability.
Furthermore, dichromium tris (chromate) is used in the electronics manufacturing industry, particularly in applications requiring a highly heat-resistant and anti-corrosive coating. Another important application of this substance is in the paint and coatings industry, where it helps enhance the quality and durability of the paint layer on metal materials.
4. How does Dichromium tris (chromate) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to Dichromium tris (chromate), their health can be severely affected by the impacts of this compound, especially in industries that use chromium and its compounds, such as paint manufacturing, metal plating, leather tanning, and wood processing industries. Dichromium tris (chromate) contains chromium in its hexavalent form (Cr(VI)), which is an extremely toxic form and has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans.
Upon exposure to Dichromium tris (chromate), workers can be poisoned through three main routes: inhalation of chromium-containing dust, direct skin contact, and ingestion if in contact with contaminated water or food. Inhaling Cr(VI)-containing dust in the work environment can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even lung cancer. For those with direct skin contact, the risk of irritation, inflammation, or skin diseases like eczema and ulcers can increase. Long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium can also cause problems with the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.
Additionally, studies have shown that workers frequently exposed to chromium compounds in industrial settings may experience reproductive disorders, as well as an increased risk of cancers of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and even skin cancer. This is particularly dangerous for those working in facilities that do not properly adhere to occupational safety measures, leading to long-term exposure and an increased risk of serious diseases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dichromium tris (chromate) for human exposure
The safe concentration of dichromium tris (chromate) for human exposure is strictly regulated to protect workers’ health. According to guidelines from occupational safety agencies, the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of this compound in the workplace air is often determined based on health studies and long-term impact assessments.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the exposure limit for hexavalent chromium compounds (including dichromium tris (chromate)) at 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air for an 8-hour workday, with a short-term exposure limit of 15 minutes not to exceed 25 µg/m³. In other regions like British Columbia (Canada), similar limits are also regulated, with the goal of minimizing long-term harm from exposure to hexavalent chromium. Particularly, due to the toxicity and carcinogenic potential of hexavalent chromium compounds, controlling this concentration is crucial in industries such as stainless steel welding, chrome plating, and paint manufacturing, where workers can be directly exposed to dust particles containing dichromium tris (chromate).
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Dichromium tris (chromate). Organizations such as 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 mitigate the health effects of Dichromium tris (chromate) on workers
To mitigate the health effects of Dichromium tris (chromate) on workers, strict prevention and control measures need to be applied in the work environment. First, the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and specialized masks is crucial to prevent direct contact with the chemical. Workers should be fully trained on the associated health risks and how to use protective equipment.
In addition, controlling the level of exposure is extremely necessary. This can be achieved by establishing effective ventilation and dust extraction systems in work areas where Dichromium tris (chromate) is used, in order to minimize the levels of dust and chemical vapors in the air. This equipment needs to be regularly maintained and periodically inspected to ensure its effectiveness.
Another important measure is to replace Dichromium tris (chromate) with less toxic alternatives if possible, helping to reduce the risk to workers. Research is ongoing to find safer substitutes to minimize the health impacts of Cr(VI).
Finally, regular health monitoring for workers in environments with the presence of Dichromium tris (chromate) is necessary to detect early signs of illness and provide timely treatment. These measures not only protect workers’ health but also ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations.
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 adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting and reducing hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for 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 measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, processing, and tracking issues related to the work environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed 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 occupational environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
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8. Quotation for Occupational Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environmental monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
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