Working environment factors
How does Hydrazine affect workers’ health?
Jan
Hydrazine (H4N2) is a hazardous chemical, often used in manufacturing plants, but it poses many potential dangers to the health of workers. This article will provide a deep insight into the health effects of hydrazine and how to protect workers from these risks.
1. What is Hydrazine?
Hydrazine, with the chemical formula H4N2, is a chemical compound with strong alkaline properties and is one of the substances that can be hazardous to health. It is a colorless, volatile compound with a characteristic pungent odor. Hydrazine is used in many industries, including the production of explosives, rocket manufacturing, as well as in applications such as cleaning, water treatment, and as a component in some pesticides.
The chemical formula H4N2 indicates that each hydrazine molecule consists of four hydrogen (H) atoms and two nitrogen (N) atoms. The two nitrogen atoms in the hydrazine molecule are linked by a single bond, with each nitrogen also bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This is a simple structure but poses many risks upon exposure in unsafe conditions.
Hydrazine easily decomposes upon contact with air, producing toxic gases such as ammonia and other compounds that can be harmful to the human body. Because of this property, hydrazine is considered extremely dangerous and needs to be handled with care in the workplace.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hydrazin | Hydrazine | 28251000 | 0302-01-02 | H4N2 |
See more about the chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Hydrazine originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this compound can be generated from various sources, mainly related to chemical reactions and industrial processes that use it as a raw material or intermediate. One of the main sources is in explosives manufacturing plants, where this compound is used to synthesize sensitive explosive materials. Additionally, this compound can also be created in pesticide production processes, especially when using nitrogen compounds to create products with insecticidal effects.
The rocket or spacecraft manufacturing industries are also places where a large amount of this compound is generated, as it is a key component of rocket fuel. During this process, the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds in the production environment can create hydrazine as an additive or during equipment cleaning.
Furthermore, in wastewater treatment plants, this compound can also be produced during the treatment of nitrogen-containing organic compounds, especially when performing chemical reactions to purify water or remove pollutants.
3. Industries that use Hydrazine in production
In industrial production, this compound is widely used in some specific industries, mainly those related to high technology and the production of special materials. One of the industries that uses this compound extensively is the rocket and aerospace manufacturing industry. In rocket manufacturing plants, this compound is used as fuel for rocket engines due to its ability to generate high energy and burn easily.
The explosives manufacturing industry is also a major sector that uses this compound. It is an important component in industrial explosives, especially in products such as explosives used in mining, construction, and military applications. The production and handling of explosives require the presence of hydrazine, as it is an intermediate in the synthesis of explosive compounds.
In addition, this compound is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the production of pesticides and nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Companies specializing in agriculture often use hydrazine in products that help protect crops from pests and diseases, thanks to its strong chemical properties.
Another industry that uses this compound is the water treatment industry, where hydrazine is used to remove oxygen in wastewater treatment systems or in equipment cleaning processes. In water treatment plants, hydrazine helps control oxidation levels and protect equipment from the negative effects of oxygen.
4. How does Hydrazine affect workers?
Exposure to this compound can cause many serious health effects for workers, especially when there are inadequate protective measures in the workplace. When inhaling vapors of this compound, workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and other respiratory problems. This is due to the toxic nature of this compound when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs.
In addition to respiratory problems, direct contact with the skin or eyes can also cause severe irritation. In cases of long-term exposure or at high concentrations, workers may suffer from skin burns, dermatitis, or eye damage, leading to vision problems. These effects not only directly affect the health of workers but also reduce work quality and production efficiency.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure or high concentrations can cause neurological problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, may lead to long-term neurological disorders. Studies have also shown that exposure to this compound may increase the risk of cancer, especially for those working in industries that use this compound for extended periods.
In addition to immediate health problems, long-term exposure to this compound can lead to chronic effects, including impaired liver and kidney function, causing circulatory and digestive issues.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hydrazine for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration for exposure to this compound is regulated by international health and occupational safety organizations to minimize risks to human health. According to the standards of OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the maximum permissible concentration of this compound in the air is 0.1 ppm (parts per million) for a one-hour work period. This is the level at which workers can be exposed without experiencing immediate serious health problems.
Meanwhile, the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) recommends a similar threshold limit value of 0.01 ppm for an 8-hour workday. These levels are based on clinical and experimental studies aimed at protecting workers’ health from the harmful effects of long-term exposure to this compound.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Hydrazine. 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 minimize the health effects of Hydrazine on workers
To minimize the effects of this compound on workers’ health, applying protective measures and managing the work environment is crucial. One of the first and most important measures is to control the concentration of the compound in the air. Factories must be equipped with effective ventilation systems to ensure that the concentration in the air remains low and does not exceed the permissible safety limits. The use of toxic gas extraction and air filtration systems also helps reduce the accumulation of this compound in the work environment.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as respirators, protective gloves, and safety glasses to avoid direct contact with this compound. This protective equipment must be of high quality and regularly inspected to prevent damage and ensure its effectiveness in protecting workers. Training workers on the proper use of protective equipment and awareness of the health risks associated with exposure to this compound is essential.
Furthermore, safe work procedures and health monitoring measures must be implemented. Workers should undergo regular health check-ups to detect early signs of poisoning or diseases related to long-term exposure to this compound. Occupational safety training programs should also be organized frequently to raise awareness and improve the ability to respond to emergencies involving this chemical.
Finally, applying waste management and chemical disposal methods after use also plays a significant role in minimizing the risk of harm. Waste containing this compound must be handled properly and in compliance with environmental safety regulations to prevent its spread and adverse effects on the health of workers and the community.
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 occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and from there, adjust to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the occupational 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 SERVICES
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 focuses on 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 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 Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers 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. 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, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
