Working environment factors
How does Carbofuran affect workers’ health?
Dec
Carbofuran (C12H15NO3) is a common pesticide, but when used in production, it can seriously affect the health of workers. This article will analyze the health effects of Carbofuran and the necessary preventive measures to protect workers in the workplace.
1. What is Carbofuran?
Carbofuran (C12H15NO3) is a pesticide belonging to the carbamate group, widely used in agriculture to protect crops from harmful insects. With the chemical formula C12H15NO3, Carbofuran’s molecular structure consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) atoms.
This pesticide works by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system of insects, thereby causing paralysis and death to pests. Carbofuran is commonly applied to crops such as corn, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables. However, in addition to its effects on pests, it can also harm human and animal health if not used correctly.
Although Carbofuran is very effective in protecting crops, long-term exposure to it, especially in an unsafe working environment, can lead to numerous health risks for workers. Therefore, a clear understanding of the chemical nature and mechanism of action of Carbofuran is crucial for implementing appropriate preventive measures in production.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cacbofuran | Carbofuran | 29329910 | 1563-66-2 | C12H15NO3 |
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2. Where does Carbofuran originate from in the production process?
The source of Carbofuran in the production process mainly comes from the use of pesticides in agricultural and industrial processing activities. During the spraying of crops, Carbofuran can be dispersed into the air, soil, and water, thereby creating negative impacts on the environment and human health.
When workers are in areas where Carbofuran is used, such as agricultural processing plants or production facilities with direct contact with pesticides, they may inhale or come into skin contact with this chemical. This often occurs during spraying, storage, or crop handling, especially when labor protection measures are not fully implemented. In some cases, Carbofuran may also be present in agricultural products after harvesting and processing in factories, creating a potential source of exposure for workers.
3. Industries that use Carbofuran in production
Carbofuran is widely used in many production industries, especially in agriculture and agricultural processing. The agricultural sector is the main consumer of this chemical, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as corn, rice, sugarcane, vegetables, and industrial plants. This pesticide helps protect crops from the destruction of insects and pests, thereby improving productivity and product quality.
Additionally, in the food processing industry, especially in plants processing agricultural products like rice, corn, and various vegetables, Carbofuran may also be present in post-harvest products. Companies in the plant protection and pesticide production sectors also use Carbofuran in the manufacturing and distribution of crop protection chemicals.
Some other industries, such as the chemical industry and research facilities, may also come into contact with Carbofuran during the production and testing of crop protection products. The use of Carbofuran in these sectors requires strict control measures to limit the negative impacts on workers and the environment.
4. How does Carbofuran affect workers?
Carbofuran can cause many serious health effects for workers who come into direct contact with this chemical, especially without adequate protective measures. When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, Carbofuran enters the body and can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on the level of exposure.
One of the main effects of Carbofuran on workers is the inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system. This can lead to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synapses, causing neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, seizures, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or death. Furthermore, long-term exposure to Carbofuran can also affect the digestive system, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea.
Particularly for workers in environments without adequate personal protective equipment, such as in agricultural processing plants or when spraying pesticides in the fields, the risk of Carbofuran poisoning is higher. Workers who are regularly exposed to this chemical may face long-term health problems, including a weakened immune system and diseases of the liver and kidneys.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Carbofuran for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Carbofuran for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety agencies to protect workers’ health. These standards are typically determined through studies on exposure levels and the chemical’s impact on human health.
According to health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum concentration of Carbofuran in the workplace air is recommended not to exceed a certain level to minimize the risk of poisoning. This concentration level is determined based on factors such as the duration and level of worker exposure. Typically, the limit is below 0.05 mg/m³ in the work environment.
In addition, standards for Carbofuran concentration in agricultural products are also regulated to ensure that the amount of chemical residue in food at the time of consumption is at a safe level.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Carbofuran. 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 Carbofuran on workers
To minimize the health effects of Carbofuran on workers, applying preventive and protective measures is extremely important. First and foremost, workers must be adequately trained on the health risks of working with this chemical and how to prevent them. This includes understanding the symptoms of poisoning and knowing how to respond promptly in case of an incident.
One of the most effective measures is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers should wear dust masks or air-purifying respirators when working in environments with high concentrations of Carbofuran. Additionally, gloves, boots, and protective clothing should be used to minimize direct contact with the chemical. This helps prevent the chemical from entering the body through the skin or respiratory tract.
Furthermore, the work environment needs to be well-ventilated with an effective ventilation system to reduce the concentration of Carbofuran in the air. The use of fume extraction systems and regular monitoring of chemical concentrations in the air are necessary measures to protect workers’ health.
There should also be periodic health check-ups for workers, especially those who are regularly exposed to Carbofuran. Tests for cholinesterase enzyme and other biochemical indicators can help detect early signs of poisoning for timely treatment.
Finally, changing work methods, such as using machinery instead of manual spraying, can also significantly reduce workers’ exposure to Carbofuran.
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.
