2-chloropropane (C3H7Cl) is a common industrial chemical, but its impact on the health of workers in manufacturing plants that use it is a matter of concern. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the risks and health protection measures for workers.
1. What is 2-chloropropane?
2-chloropropane, with the chemical formula C₃H₇Cl, is an organic compound belonging to the halogenated hydrocarbon group. Its molecular structure consists of three carbon (C) atoms, seven hydrogen (H) atoms, and one chlorine (Cl) atom.
In this structure, the chlorine atom is attached to the second carbon atom in the three-carbon chain, forming a chloropropyl group. 2-chloropropane typically exists as a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a boiling point of about 35–36°C and a low flash point, indicating its high flammability.
2-chloropropane is widely used in the chemical industry as a solvent and an intermediate in organic synthesis. It is also involved in the production of other compounds such as isopropylamine and epichlorohydrin, playing an important role in the manufacturing of epoxy resins and other chemical products.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Isopropyl clorua | 2-chloropropane | 29031990 | 75-29-6 | C3H7Cl |
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2. Where does 2-chloropropane originate from in the production process?
During the production process, 2-chloropropane can be generated from chemical reactions between chlorine-containing compounds and other organic substances. For example, when 2-propanol reacts with hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas in the presence of catalysts such as zinc chloride or tellurium compounds, 2-chloropropane is formed.
Additionally, in the food processing industry, 3-MCPD, a compound with a similar structure, is formed by the reaction between chlorine derivatives and fats during processing, especially when using hydrochloric acid at high temperatures.

3. Industries that use 2-chloropropane in production
In industry, 2-chloropropane is used primarily in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides. It plays a crucial role as an intermediate in the synthesis of complex organic compounds. In addition, 2-chloropropane is also used in the production of epoxy resins, where it participates in the synthesis of epoxy compounds, contributing to the production of plastic materials with special properties.
4. How does 2-chloropropane affect workers?
2-chloropropane is an organic compound that can seriously affect the health of workers upon exposure. Inhalation or direct skin contact can lead to irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, causing discomfort and a burning sensation. Prolonged or high-concentration exposure can affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs, causing severe damage. In particular, very high levels of exposure can impact the nervous system, causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Additionally, 2-chloropropane is a flammable liquid, creating a risk of fire and explosion in the work environment.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 2-chloropropane for human exposure
According to information from the New Jersey Department of Health, 2-chloropropane can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation upon contact. Prolonged or high-concentration exposure can affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs, causing severe damage. In particular, very high levels of exposure can impact the nervous system, causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Additionally, 2-chloropropane is a flammable liquid, creating a risk of fire and explosion in the work environment.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Isopropyl chloride. 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 impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of 2-chloropropane on workers
To minimize the health effects of 2-chloropropane on workers, the following measures should be implemented:
Improve Ventilation and Airflow:
Enhance ventilation in the work area to reduce the concentration of 2-chloropropane in the air. Installing an effective ventilation system helps remove chemical vapors, reducing the risk of inhalation.
Use Personal Protective Equipment:
Equip workers with personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate protective clothing. The correct and complete use of this equipment helps prevent direct contact with 2-chloropropane.
Training and Awareness Enhancement:
Organize occupational safety training courses, providing information on the risks and preventive measures related to 2-chloropropane. Raising workers’ awareness helps them better understand health protection measures.
Implement Regular Monitoring and Check-ups:
Monitor the concentration of 2-chloropropane in the air and conduct regular health check-ups for workers. This helps in the early detection of signs of poisoning and allows for timely intervention.
Safe Chemical Management and Handling:
Store and use 2-chloropropane according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring safety throughout the process. There should be a spill response plan, and employees should be trained on how to handle incidents.
The comprehensive implementation of these measures will help minimize risks and protect the health of workers when exposed to 2-chloropropane.
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, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of hazard to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for 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.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational 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 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 options possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers 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 occupational environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our valued customers with a price list for quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring price list 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 valued 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 monitoring price list, our valued customers can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional quality services.

