Strychnine (C21H22N2O2) is a hazardous chemical that can seriously affect the health of workers in factory environments. This article will explore the impact of Strychnine, the symptoms of poisoning, and the necessary protective measures to minimize risks for workers.
1. What is Strychnine?
The chemical formula C21H22N2O2 represents an organic compound with a complex structure, belonging to the alkaloid group derived from the strychnos tree. This compound is characterized by the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) in its molecular composition. C21H22N2O2 is known for its potent toxic properties affecting the central nervous system, causing dangerous symptoms upon direct human contact.
The molecular structure of this compound includes two benzene rings and a chain of interconnected carbon atoms, with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached. Specifically, the presence of an amine functional group in the molecular structure is the main factor contributing to the compound’s toxicity, affecting neurotransmission mechanisms. Therefore, it can cause convulsions, respiratory arrest, or even death if not treated promptly.
Due to this toxicity, C21H22N2O2 is not only of interest in medicine and chemistry but also in industries, especially those that may use this type of chemical in their production processes.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Strychnin | Strychnine | 29339990 | 57-24-9 | C21H22H2O2 |
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2. Where does Strychnine originate from in the production process?
The source of C21H22N2O2 in the production process mainly comes from the use of the strychnos tree, a plant species that contains this alkaloid. In nature, the strychnos tree grows mainly in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. This compound can be extracted from the seeds, bark, and roots of the strychnos tree.
In industrial production, C21H22N2O2 is used in some chemical and rodenticide manufacturing processes, with the purpose of eliminating harmful animal species. When the strychnos tree is harvested and processed, the compounds within it, including C21H22N2O2, can be released into the surrounding environment, especially when production processes do not ensure safety.
At the same time, C21H22N2O2 may also appear in the processing of pharmaceutical products, where the use of this compound may be part of research or testing, although it is now rarely used in medicine due to its toxicity.

3. Industries that use Strychnine in production
C21H22N2O2 is used mainly in several industries and production areas related to pest control, chemical research, and medicine. One of the most common industries is the production of rodenticides. In rodent control products, this compound is used for its ability to cause convulsions and respiratory arrest in rodents, helping to control the rat population in agricultural and urban areas.
In addition, C21H22N2O2 is also used in scientific research, especially in the fields of biology and medicine. In research on the nervous system, this compound can be used to investigate the body’s reactions to toxic substances, while also helping scientists study the mechanisms of the central nervous system. However, due to its extremely potent toxicity, its use in experiments requires strict protective measures.
Furthermore, C21H22N2O2 can also be found in the chemical manufacturing industry, where this compound may be an intermediate in the production of other chemicals.
4. How does Strychnine affect workers?
When workers are exposed to C21H22N2O2 in the workplace, this compound can cause serious health effects. Because C21H22N2O2 is a potent neurotoxin, it directly affects the central nervous system, leading to severe poisoning symptoms. When exposed through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, this substance can cause immediate reactions, from signs like dizziness and nausea to violent convulsions.
The mechanism of action of C21H22N2O2 is that it inhibits control mechanisms in the nervous system, disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses between cells. This leads to continuous and uncontrollable muscle contractions, especially of the respiratory muscles, which can cause difficulty breathing or complete respiratory arrest. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to death.
In addition, workers may suffer long-term damage from prolonged exposure to C21H22N2O2, such as impaired neurological function and damage to internal organs, especially the kidneys and liver. The powerful impact of this substance requires workers to adhere to strict protective measures to limit risks.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Strychnine for human exposure
Determining the permissible safe concentration for exposure to C21H22N2O2 is very important to protect human health, especially for workers in environments where this chemical is used. However, due to the potent toxicity of the compound, there is no absolute safe level of exposure. Even at low concentrations, C21H22N2O2 can still cause serious health effects, especially when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
In occupational safety studies and regulations, regulatory agencies often recommend a maximum concentration limit that workers can be exposed to without risk of poisoning. However, this concentration will vary depending on the country, industry, and specific work environment. For most countries, the limit is clearly defined in chemical safety standards, where the permissible concentration of C21H22N2O2 in the workplace air is usually very low, typically in the range of micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³). This means that long-term or continuous exposure, even at low concentrations, can still pose a risk to human health.

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Strychnine. 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 effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Strychnine on workers
To minimize the health effects of C21H22N2O2 on workers, occupational safety and health measures are very important. One of the main measures is to ensure a well-ventilated work environment, with an effective ventilation system, to reduce the concentration of the toxic substance in the air and limit the possibility of direct contact with the chemical. Maintaining a clean work environment and periodically checking the concentration of C21H22N2O2 is essential to ensure that it does not exceed the permissible limit.
In addition, workers need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant masks, gloves, safety goggles, and specialized protective clothing. This equipment will help prevent direct contact with C21H22N2O2 through the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, minimizing the risk of poisoning. Thorough training for workers on how to use and maintain protective equipment is also a crucial factor in preventing workplace accidents.
Companies and factories using C21H22N2O2 need to establish safe work procedures, including emergency response measures in case of a leak or exposure to the chemical. These procedures include providing prompt first aid to poisoned individuals, notifying health authorities in a timely manner, and conducting regular health check-ups for workers. These preventive measures help to minimize the negative impacts of C21H22N2O2 on workers’ health.
Finally, close monitoring of workers’ health also plays a crucial role in the early detection of poisoning symptoms. People working in environments with a risk of exposure to C21H22N2O2 need to have regular health check-ups to ensure there are no signs of long-term effects from this toxic substance.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about 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 occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational 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 assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on 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 occupational 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 solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire 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 Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information about 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 professional quality service.

