Working environment factors
How does Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide affect workers’ health?
Dec
Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide (C4H8Cl2S), also known as sulfur mustard gas, is a toxic chemical that poses many potential risks to the health of workers in a production environment. This article will help you understand the effects of this chemical and how to protect yourself from its potential dangers.
1. What is bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide?
Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide, with the chemical formula C4H8Cl2S, is an organic compound containing sulfur and chlorine. It is commonly known as sulfur mustard and is famous for its use as a toxic chemical agent in warfare. This compound appears as a viscous, colorless or pale yellow liquid, and has a characteristic pungent odor similar to mustard or garlic.
Chemically, bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide is a potent alkylating agent, capable of reacting with DNA and proteins within cells. This makes it an extremely dangerous substance, causing severe damage to living tissues. Under normal conditions, this compound does not evaporate much, but upon contact or absorption through the skin, respiratory system, or digestion, it can cause serious effects on the body.
In industrial production, although not common, bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide is sometimes used in chemical research or the production of some special compounds. However, due to its dangerous nature, the use and handling of this chemical require strict protective measures to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Bis(2-clo etyl) sunfua | bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide | 29309090 | 505-60-2 | C4H8Cl2S |
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 bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide originate from in the production process?
The chemical with the formula C4H8Cl2S typically arises from industrial chemical production processes, especially in industries related to organic compounds containing sulfur and chlorine. The main source can be from chemical reactions during the synthesis of alkyl halide compounds or compounds that use chlorine as a reactant.
In factories, the generation of this chemical often occurs due to leaks or losses during production, storage, or transportation. Poorly maintained or inadequately sealed equipment is also a cause of unwanted emissions. Additionally, when chemical reactions occur at uncontrolled temperatures or pressures, this chemical can be formed as a byproduct.
Another source may come from the recycling or treatment of industrial waste containing similar chemical components.
3. Industries that use bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide in production
The chemical C4H8Cl2S is typically used in a few specific industries, although its application is limited due to its high toxicity. One of the main fields that uses this chemical is the chemical industry, where it may be involved in research or the synthesis of other chemical compounds, especially in the production of derivatives with high alkylating properties.
In the past, this chemical was used in the defense industry for the production of chemical weapons. Although its use is now banned and strictly controlled under international conventions, there is still a risk of residual presence in some old factories or facilities.
In some cases, the pharmaceutical industry may also use this compound on a small scale in drug development research, particularly for anti-cancer drugs, due to its DNA-interacting properties.
4. How does bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide affect workers?
The chemical C4H8Cl2S can cause serious health effects for workers upon exposure in a production environment. The strong alkylating property of this compound allows it to easily penetrate the body through the skin, respiratory tract, and even mucous membranes, causing tissue and cell damage.
When in contact with the skin, this chemical can cause severe chemical burns, ulceration, and destruction of the epidermal layers. Blistering and burning pain often appear after a few hours, increasing the risk of infection if not treated promptly. For the respiratory system, gas or vapor containing this compound can cause severe irritation, leading to pneumonia, difficulty breathing, or permanent lung damage.
Furthermore, this chemical can affect the central nervous system and internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys, due to its ability to accumulate in the body. Prolonged or high-concentration exposure can cause systemic toxicity, leading to organ function decline and other serious health problems. These effects mean that workers face a high health risk if they are not equipped with adequate protective measures and do not work in a safe environment.
5. Permissible safe concentration of bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide for human exposure
Determining the permissible safe concentration for exposure to C4H8Cl2S is crucial for protecting workers’ health in the workplace. However, due to the potent toxicity of this compound, there is no completely safe concentration that causes no effects. International health and safety organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recommend that exposure to this substance be limited to the lowest possible level, and in most cases, direct contact with C4H8Cl2S is unacceptable.
Although specific concentration limits may vary by country and industry regulations, studies and safety standards generally propose an extremely low permissible exposure limit (TWA – time-weighted average) for this chemical.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide. Organizations like 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 bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide on workers
To minimize the health effects of C4H8Cl2S on workers, preventive and control measures must be strictly implemented throughout the work process. One of the most important measures is to ensure a well-ventilated work environment with an effective ventilation and exhaust system to reduce the accumulation of the chemical in the air. The use of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, boots, and chemical-resistant clothing is mandatory to limit direct contact with this compound.
Additionally, organizing training programs on occupational safety for workers is essential. They need to be equipped with knowledge on how to identify risks, emergency response procedures, and how to use and maintain protective gear. Factories must have strict regulations regarding periodic health check-ups for workers to detect early signs of poisoning or health damage.
Furthermore, monitoring and controlling the concentration of C4H8Cl2S in the ambient air is a crucial measure to ensure safety. Gas concentration measuring devices should be used to ensure that workers are not exposed to concentrations exceeding permissible safety levels. In the event of a leak or chemical release, emergency response measures must be implemented immediately, including evacuating workers from the hazardous area and providing prompt medical treatment.
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 adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of risk 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 the supervision and measurement of occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed 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 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 expertise and a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s 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 quotation table for high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table 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 table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
