Working environment factors
How does Sulfur Dioxide affect workers’ health?
Jan
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a toxic gas, often present in manufacturing plants that use this chemical. This article will explore the serious effects of SO2 on the health of workers, from respiratory problems to chronic diseases, while also proposing effective preventive measures.
1. What is Sulfur dioxide?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a chemical compound containing sulfur and oxygen, with the chemical formula SO2. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is volatile, and dissolves in water. Sulfur dioxide is often formed during the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels such as coal and oil, or in chemical reactions from industrial plants. It can also be generated during the processing of metal ores, especially in the metallurgy industry.
SO2 has the ability to pollute the air, so it is considered one of the main agents contributing to the formation of acid rain. When SO2 dissolves in water, it creates sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a highly corrosive compound that can harm the environment and human health.
SO2 gas is used in several industries, such as the production of sulfuric acid, pharmaceuticals, food, and other chemicals. However, it is also a toxic gas if not controlled, affecting human health, especially for those working in environments with high levels of exposure to this gas.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Lưu huỳnh dioxit | Sulfur dioxide | 28112820 | 7446-09-5 | SO2 |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Sulfur dioxide originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this gas is primarily generated from industrial activities related to sulfur-containing fuels. Specifically, when coal, oil, or other fossil fuels are burned in thermal power plants or during industrial production processes, sulfur dioxide gas is a byproduct of the combustion reaction. In addition, in the metallurgical industry, when sulfur-containing metal ores are processed, SO2 will also be released.
This gas can also be created in sulfuric acid manufacturing plants, when sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is produced through the oxidation of sulfur or sulfur-containing compounds. Another source is in food processing activities, especially in the process of drying fruits or preserving food, where SO2 is used as a preservative.
Besides, the paper, textile dyeing, or other chemical industries can also generate sulfur dioxide due to the use of sulfur-containing chemicals or incomplete chemical reactions during the production process.
3. Industries that use Sulfur dioxide in production
This gas is widely used in many different industries. In the sulfuric acid manufacturing industry, it is the main raw material, used to produce sulfuric acid through the contact process with oxygen in the air. This is one of the most important chemicals in the chemical industry, serving many fields such as the production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products.
In addition, in the food industry, this gas is used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, especially in wine production, fruit drying, and processed foods. SO2 helps to preserve the color and flavor of food, while also extending its shelf life.
In the pharmaceutical industry, sulfur dioxide gas is also used in the production of some types of drugs, especially in the processing of sulfur-related compounds. Besides that, in the paper manufacturing industry, this gas is also used in the bleaching and wood processing stages, helping to reduce the amount of lignin in wood and create high-quality paper products.
The energy industry, especially thermal power plants, is also a major source of this gas, as the sulfur in the fuel is burned. In addition, metal processing industries such as ore smelting and alloy production also use sulfur dioxide in the production and processing of sulfur-containing metal ores.
4. How does Sulfur dioxide affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this gas in the workplace, it can cause many negative health effects, especially when exposure is prolonged or uncontrolled. This gas can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. Workers who are frequently exposed to this gas, especially in manufacturing plants or mining industries, are at risk of developing respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other lung diseases.
Not only does it affect the respiratory system, but long-term exposure to this gas can also lead to damage to blood vessels and cardiovascular problems. Sulfur dioxide gas can increase the body’s sensitivity to allergens and other irritants in the work environment, making cardiovascular and lung diseases more severe.
In addition, this gas can also affect the mental health of workers, especially in cases where they have to work in an environment with high concentrations of SO2, causing stress and fatigue.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Sulfur dioxide for human exposure
To protect human health, authorities have established permissible safe concentration levels for exposure to this gas in the workplace and the atmosphere. According to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and international occupational safety agencies, the concentration of this gas in the air should not exceed 0.5 ppm (parts per million) in the workplace over an 8-hour workday. For short-term thresholds, the concentration of this gas should not exceed 1 ppm for a period of 15 minutes.
In the outdoor air environment, safety limits are also regulated by environmental organizations. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of SO2 should not exceed 0.075 ppm in one hour and should not exceed 0.14 ppm in 24 hours. These are concentration levels that are considered not harmful to public health.
However, people working in environments with high concentrations of SO2, such as industrial plants, may experience health problems if they do not have appropriate protective measures.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Sulfur dioxide. 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 Sulfur dioxide on workers
To minimize the health effects of this gas on workers, protective measures and concentration control in the work environment are very important. First of all, factories and industrial zones need to be equipped with a good ventilation system to help reduce the concentration of toxic gas in the air. An effective ventilation system helps to remove SO2 gas from the work area and replace it with clean air, minimizing the likelihood of workers inhaling this toxic gas.
In addition, providing personal protective equipment to workers is an essential measure. Equipment such as gas-filtering masks, respirators, and special protective clothing can help limit direct contact with this gas. Workers in high-risk environments need to be fully equipped and must strictly adhere to their use.
Factories also need to implement regular inspection and monitoring measures to ensure that gas concentrations do not exceed safe levels. Measuring the gas concentration in the work environment should be done periodically to detect problems in a timely manner and take swift action.
Training workers about the harmful effects of this gas and health protection measures is also an important factor. Workers need to clearly understand the potential health risks and how to protect themselves when working in an environment with high concentrations of SO2.
Finally, factories need to apply modern emission control technologies to minimize the generation of SO2 during the production process. Systems such as gas filters, desulfurization units, and advanced emission treatment technologies can significantly reduce the amount of toxic gas released into the environment.
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 conduct 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 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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. 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 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with 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. 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 valued customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced 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. 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, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
