Working environment factors
How does Chloroform affect workers’ health?
Dec
Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) (CHCl3) is a common toxic chemical in manufacturing plants. This article will provide detailed information about the impact of chloroform on workers’ health, from short-term symptoms to long-term risks, along with effective protective measures in the work environment.
1. What is Chloroform (methane, trichloro-)?
Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane, with the chemical formula CHCl3, is an organic compound belonging to the halogenated hydrocarbons group. Chloroform is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor and is known for its potential to affect human health with long-term exposure.
The molecular structure of chloroform consists of one carbon (C) atom, three chlorine (Cl) atoms, and one hydrogen (H) atom. It is a fairly stable compound under normal conditions but can decompose when exposed to light or high temperatures.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cloroform | Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) | 29031300 | 67-66-3 | CHCl3 |
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2. Where does Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) originate from in the production process?
During production, chloroform is mainly created in chemical plants through chemical synthesis reactions. One of the main sources of chloroform is in the production of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), when chlorine gas (Cl2) is used to treat methane (CH4) or hydrocarbon-containing compounds.
In addition, chloroform can also appear in the production processes of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other industrial products. This process often occurs when chlorine-containing chemicals are used to create other organic compounds, including chloroform.
3. Industries that use Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) in production
Chloroform is widely used in many different industries. In the chemical industry, chloroform is mainly used in the production of other organic compounds, such as carbon tetrachloride and some organic solvents. In addition, chloroform is also an important component in the production processes of pesticides, where it acts as a solvent or an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals.
In the pharmaceutical industry, chloroform is used in some extraction and drug manufacturing processes, especially anesthetics, although its use has decreased due to the development of safer alternatives. The plastic and paint industries also use chloroform as a solvent in the production of various types of plastics or synthetic paints, helping to reduce viscosity and improve the blendability of components.
In addition, chloroform is also used in the paper, textile, and leather industries for cleaning or bleaching, as well as in some other sectors such as rubber and electronics manufacturing, where chloroform is used to clean and disinfect surfaces.
4. How does Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) affect workers?
This substance can cause many adverse health effects to workers upon direct or long-term exposure. Inhaling chloroform can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and fatigue. If exposed at high levels, this substance can also cause respiratory function impairment, leading to difficulty breathing or even fainting.
When in contact with skin or eyes, chloroform can cause skin irritation, inflammation, or allergies, especially with prolonged exposure. If accidentally swallowed or inhaled over a long period, it can cause liver and kidney damage, and even problems related to the nervous system, including disorientation or reduced concentration.
The use of chloroform in the workplace without adequate protective measures can lead to serious health risks for workers. This substance can accumulate in the body over time and cause long-term effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration for worker exposure depends on the regulations of international health and occupational safety organizations. According to the standards of OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), the maximum concentration of chloroform in the workplace air should not exceed 50 parts per million (ppm) during an 8-hour work shift.
However, studies also indicate that this concentration can still be harmful if workers are exposed for long periods, so maintaining lower concentrations and implementing preventive measures is very important.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Chloroform. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Chloroform (methane, trichloro-) on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of chloroform on workers, preventive and protective measures are very important. First, improving the ventilation system in the work area helps to reduce the concentration of this substance in the air. Ventilation systems must be designed so that the air in the production area is constantly circulated and replaced, ensuring that the chloroform concentration does not exceed the permissible safe level.
In addition, workers need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid direct contact with this substance. Protective equipment should be checked periodically to ensure it is working effectively. Furthermore, workers should also adhere to safety procedures, including using safer alternatives when possible and avoiding long-term exposure to chloroform.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the health risks associated with chloroform are also very important. Regular training programs will help workers understand preventive measures and how to respond in case of an incident. Moreover, regular health monitoring for workers will help detect early signs of health effects and allow for timely intervention.
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 adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace 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 supports 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 Masters and Engineers with extensive experience and expertise 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 cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our valued customers with 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. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our 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 in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, our customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
