Working environment factors
How does Formaldehyde affect workers’ health?
Nov
Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a common chemical in many manufacturing industries, but if not controlled, it can cause serious health problems for workers. Let’s explore how formaldehyde affects health and the necessary protective measures in the work environment.
1. What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde, with the chemical formula CH2O, is an organic compound belonging to the aldehyde group. It is a colorless gas with a characteristic odor, commonly used in many industries such as the production of plastics, plywood, paints, and disinfectant products. This substance is volatile at room temperature and can exist as a gas or in an aqueous solution, commonly known as formalin solution.
With the chemical formula CH2O, formaldehyde has a simple molecular structure, consisting of a -CHO group (carbonyl group) bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This feature allows formaldehyde to react easily with many other compounds, forming various products. Due to its flexibility in chemical reactions and its ability to move easily in the air, formaldehyde has become an important chemical in production, but it also poses many health risks if not used correctly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Formaldehit | Formaldehyde | 291211 | 50-00-0 | CH2O |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Formaldehyde originate from in the production process?
During the production process, formaldehyde can be generated from various sources, especially in industries such as wood processing, plywood manufacturing, textiles, and plastics production. One of the main sources is the chemical reactions during the processing and manufacturing of building materials or composite materials. For example, when producing plywood, formaldehyde is released from adhesives containing this compound, especially in urea-formaldehyde based glues.
Additionally, formaldehyde can also be generated during the production of paints, cleaning agents, and protective products. Chemical reactions between the components in these products, when exposed to high temperatures or special chemical conditions, can release formaldehyde into the air. Furthermore, the use of products containing formaldehyde as a preservative or anti-mildew agent is also a source of emission in the work environment.
Some other industries, such as the production of dyes, household products, and pharmaceuticals, may also release formaldehyde during production stages or raw material usage.
3. Industries that use Formaldehyde in production
Many manufacturing industries use formaldehyde as a key component in their processing and production workflows. One of the main industries is the production of plywood and composite materials. In this industry, formaldehyde is used in adhesives to bond layers of wood or other materials together. Plywood, engineered wood, and particleboard products often contain formaldehyde, so workers in this industry are at risk of exposure.
The textile industry is also a common user of formaldehyde, especially in the production of wrinkle-resistant or shrink-proof fabrics. Formaldehyde is used to create preservatives or anti-wrinkle agents for textile products. When treating fabric, formaldehyde gas can be released into the air, affecting the health of workers during the production process.
Paints and other chemical products also use formaldehyde in their manufacturing. Formaldehyde is present in paints, adhesives, detergents, and other industrial chemicals, contributing to the stability and adhesion of these products. Workers in plants that produce paints, detergents, and plastics may come into direct contact with formaldehyde during production.
In addition, the food processing and pharmaceutical industries also use formaldehyde as a preservative in some products, although this use is now restricted. Formaldehyde is also found in some disinfectants and environmental protection agents, especially in the production of pesticides and plant protection chemicals.
4. How does Formaldehyde affect workers?
Exposure to formaldehyde in the workplace can cause many adverse health effects for workers. When formaldehyde gas is inhaled, it can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, a sore throat, and watery eyes. In environments with high concentrations of formaldehyde, workers may suffer from rhinitis, pharyngitis, or even pneumonia.
Furthermore, formaldehyde can also cause skin problems, especially with direct contact during work. Workers may experience allergic dermatitis, rashes, or itching. Those who work for long periods in environments with high formaldehyde concentrations are also at risk of developing chronic allergies, reducing the body’s tolerance to irritants.
More importantly, formaldehyde has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other medical research organizations as a substance that can cause cancer in humans. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde, especially in high-concentration environments, can increase the risk of cancers, including nasal cancer, throat cancer, and some other types of cancer. Therefore, workers in industries that use formaldehyde must be extremely cautious and implement health protection measures.
In addition to respiratory and skin issues, formaldehyde can also affect the nervous system. Some studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and loss of concentration. These effects not only reduce labor productivity but also affect the quality of life for workers in the long term.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Formaldehyde for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of formaldehyde for human exposure is regulated by international health and occupational safety organizations to protect workers’ health. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of formaldehyde in the air should not exceed 0.1 parts per million (ppm) in the workplace over an 8-hour shift. This is considered a safe level for workers to be exposed to without experiencing serious health problems.
However, this concentration may vary depending on the regulations and standards of each country or region.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Formaldehyde. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Formaldehyde on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of formaldehyde on workers’ health, preventive and protective measures must be strictly implemented in the work environment. One of the most important measures is controlling the concentration of formaldehyde in the air. Factories and production facilities must install ventilation and exhaust systems to reduce the accumulation of formaldehyde in the workspace, helping to ensure that its concentration does not exceed the permissible level. An effective ventilation system not only helps remove formaldehyde but also provides fresh air for workers, minimizing the risk of poisoning.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment is also a crucial factor in protecting workers’ health. People working in high-risk environments with formaldehyde exposure should be equipped with masks, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent direct contact with this chemical. Especially in industries that use formaldehyde in the production of plywood, paint, or textiles, using appropriate protective equipment is essential to minimize negative health impacts.
Training and raising awareness among workers about the risks associated with formaldehyde and preventive measures also play an important role. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge on how to recognize the signs of formaldehyde poisoning so they can proactively report incidents and handle them promptly. Managers should also regularly organize occupational safety and health training sessions to ensure that workers fully understand the health protection procedures in environments containing formaldehyde.
Finally, regular inspection and maintenance of equipment, filtration systems, and ventilation in the workplace are extremely important. This equipment must be maintained in good working order to ensure its effectiveness in controlling formaldehyde concentrations. In addition, production facilities should also have periodic health monitoring programs for workers to detect early signs of adverse effects from formaldehyde, allowing for timely intervention.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
The Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring and measurement of workplace 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 WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, processing, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meets 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 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 things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our valued customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our valued 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 advise and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, our valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
