Working environment factors
How does Trichloroethylene affect workers’ health?
Dec
Trichloroethylene (CHClCCl₂) is a common chemical in many manufacturing industries, but it poses a significant risk to the health of workers. This article will explore the health effects of Trichloroethylene and then propose preventive and protective measures for workers.
1. What is Trichloroethylene?
Trichloroethylene has the chemical formula CHClCCl₂, representing an organic compound containing three chlorine (Cl) atoms, one carbon (C) atom, and two hydrogen (H) atoms. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor, commonly used as a solvent in industrial processes, especially in manufacturing plants. This substance has the ability to effectively dissolve fats, resins, oils, and some other organic substances, making it a crucial component in many industries such as cleaning, degreasing, or in pharmaceutical production.
In terms of chemical structure, CHClCCl₂ has one carbon atom bonded to two chlorine atoms and one hydrogen atom, forming a molecule that is unstable at high temperatures. When exposed to strong light or high heat, this compound can decompose into harmful compounds, posing a potential health risk to humans. Therefore, the use and storage of this compound in an industrial environment must be carried out carefully to avoid adverse effects on health and the environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Triclo etylen | Trichloroethylene | 29032200 | 79-01-6 | CHClCCl₂ |
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2. Where does Trichloroethylene originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the source of Trichloroethylene primarily comes from activities using this chemical as a solvent or cleaning agent. When factories, especially in the electronics, textile, and component manufacturing industries, use Trichloroethylene to clean or process products, this compound can evaporate and disperse into the air. Similarly, in degreasing, cleaning, or disinfecting processes, Trichloroethylene can also be released from equipment, machinery, or through the washing of product surfaces.
Additionally, in some production processes, the improper use of Trichloroethylene, such as the lack of a ventilation system or non-standard storage, can also lead to the dispersal of this compound into the work environment. When used in high-temperature processes or in an oxygen-deficient environment, this compound easily decomposes and creates other harmful by-products.
3. Industries that use Trichloroethylene in production
Trichloroethylene is widely used in many different industries due to its ability to dissolve organic substances, grease, and other hard-to-dissolve compounds. In the electronics industry, this compound is often used as a solvent to clean electronic components, helping to remove dust, oil, and other impurities during production. In particular, Trichloroethylene is also used in quality control processes for electronic devices such as printed circuit boards, sensors, and other high-precision components.
Furthermore, in the textile industry, Trichloroethylene is also applied to clean fabrics, plastics, and synthetic materials. Thanks to its ability to remove stains, this compound helps products achieve higher durability and retain their color longer. The automotive industry also uses Trichloroethylene to clean machine parts and components, especially metal parts, helping to reduce friction and increase the durability of the details.
In addition, in the pharmaceutical industry, Trichloroethylene is used to extract compounds, clean medical instruments, and in cleaning processes. Thanks to its excellent solvency, Trichloroethylene helps remove impurities and bacteria, ensuring the cleanliness of medical products.
4. How does Trichloroethylene affect workers?
When exposed to Trichloroethylene in the workplace, workers may face many serious health risks. This compound can enter the body through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion if proper protective measures are not taken. Long-term exposure or exposure at high concentrations to Trichloroethylene can cause symptoms of poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. These are the initial signs of inhaling the vapor of this substance, making workers feel exhausted and lose their ability to concentrate on their work.
Besides that, Trichloroethylene can also seriously affect the nervous system, especially with prolonged exposure. Workers may experience symptoms such as loss of sensation, reduced motor coordination, and memory-related problems. The respiratory system is also not immune to the effects of this compound. If Trichloroethylene gas is inhaled for a long time, workers may experience pneumonia, reduced respiratory function, and even severe lung damage.
In addition to problems with the nervous and respiratory systems, Trichloroethylene can also have a negative impact on the liver and kidneys. These are the two main organs involved in metabolizing and eliminating toxins from the body. Long-term exposure can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, or increase the risk of chronic diseases related to these organs. In some cases, exposure to Trichloroethylene can also increase the risk of cancer, especially liver, kidney, and digestive system cancers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Trichloroethylene for human exposure
To ensure safety for workers exposed to Trichloroethylene, health and occupational safety agencies have established a permissible safe concentration level in the work environment. This concentration is usually measured in ppm (parts per million), reflecting the presence of Trichloroethylene in the air. According to international standards, the concentration level of Trichloroethylene should not exceed 50 ppm in the work environment over an 8-hour workday. This is the concentration level considered safe and permissible without causing harm to the health of workers with long-term exposure.
However, to minimize health risks, many organizations and production facilities recommend that the concentration of Trichloroethylene should not exceed 25 ppm, especially in work areas with a high density of workers or continuous chemical use. In addition, different limits may also be applied for short-term exposure situations, such as when a worker has to work in a high-concentration environment for a short time. In these cases, the maximum concentration may be allowed up to 100 ppm for a very short period, usually a few minutes, but should not be repeated frequently.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Trichloroethylene. 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 mitigate the health effects of Trichloroethylene on workers
To minimize the health effects of Trichloroethylene on workers, preventive and control measures must be strictly implemented in the workplace. One of the most important measures is to improve the ventilation system in work areas where this compound is used. Providing fresh air and removing Trichloroethylene vapor from the air will help reduce its concentration in the environment, thereby limiting the risk of inhaling the toxic gas.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment is necessary to protect workers from direct contact with Trichloroethylene. Protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and safety glasses helps prevent the compound from coming into contact with the body through the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. Employees working directly with Trichloroethylene need to be thoroughly trained on the proper use and maintenance of this protective equipment.
Furthermore, it is necessary to establish safe work procedures to minimize the release of Trichloroethylene into the surrounding environment. This includes using sealed machinery and equipment for storing and handling the chemical, ensuring there are no leaks. Control methods such as using enclosed work booths, fume extraction systems, and air filtration also play an important role in maintaining Trichloroethylene concentrations at low and safe levels.
Another mitigation measure is the periodic monitoring and testing of Trichloroethylene concentrations in the air in work areas. This helps to promptly detect changes in pollution levels, allowing for corrective measures to be taken as soon as necessary. Production facilities also need to implement regular health programs for workers to monitor their health and detect early signs of effects from Trichloroethylene.
Finally, raising awareness among workers about the harms of Trichloroethylene and protective measures is very important. Workers need to be educated about the health risks, safe methods for working with this chemical, as well as the necessary steps to ensure personal safety.
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 hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The workplace environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of workplace environmental 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 SERVICES
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 focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, 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 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. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our 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. 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 consultation 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.
