Working environment factors
How does Sodium Selenite affect workers’ health?
Jan
Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is an important chemical but also poses many risks to the health of workers. This article will explore the dangerous effects it can have in the work environment of factories using this chemical, and how to effectively protect health.
1. What is Sodium selenite?
Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is an inorganic compound in which Selenium (Se) combines with sodium (Na) and oxygen (O). Its chemical formula is Na2SeO3, meaning each molecule contains two sodium atoms, one selenium atom, and three oxygen atoms. Sodium selenite is a salt form of selenium, produced by reacting selenium with sodium hydroxide in water.
Sodium selenite is commonly used in many industries, including glass manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research. In this form, selenium can easily dissolve in water and create an oxidizing solution, which enhances the compound’s reactivity in various applications. Sodium selenite is also considered a source of selenium for the body, although exposure to large amounts of this compound can be harmful to health.
With its chemical properties, sodium selenite is not only a useful substance in industry but also a dangerous chemical if not used and managed correctly. Therefore, a clear understanding of the formula and properties of sodium selenite is very important, especially when used in a work environment where exposure is possible.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Natri selenit | Sodium selenite | 28429090 | 10102-18-8 | Na2SeO3 |
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2. Where does Sodium selenite originate from during the production process?
During the production process, this compound is usually formed from chemical reactions between selenium and sodium hydroxide. Selenium, a chemical element with high oxidizing properties, can be extracted from natural sources such as selenium ore or as by-products from various industries, including copper mining and phosphorus production.
When selenium is recovered from these ores or by-products, it often undergoes a treatment process to create sodium selenite. This process begins with selenium reacting with sodium hydroxide in a water-based environment, forming sodium selenite as a salt. Additionally, in some industries, sodium selenite can be created during the glass manufacturing process or when treating selenium-containing waste from other industries.
3. Industries that use Sodium selenite in production
Sodium selenite is used in several manufacturing industries, particularly in the glass and chemical industries. In the glass manufacturing industry, this compound acts as an additive to improve the optical properties of the final product, while also stabilizing production processes. Specifically, sodium selenite helps to adjust the color of the glass and is used in the manufacturing of colored or transparent glass.
In addition, sodium selenite is also present in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used as an ingredient in selenium supplements. Selenium is an essential mineral for the body, and sodium selenite is used to provide a source of selenium for nutritional supplement products. This compound is also studied in medicine, especially in the treatment of certain diseases related to selenium deficiency.
In the chemical industry, sodium selenite is also widely applied, especially in chemical reactions and the production of other selenium-containing compounds. It plays an important role in the synthesis of organic compounds, helping to produce substances with special properties such as antioxidants or substances used in scientific research.
4. How does Sodium selenite affect workers?
When workers are exposed to sodium selenite in the workplace, this compound can have serious health effects. As a chemical, sodium selenite is highly toxic, and inhaling dust or vapors from this compound can cause respiratory problems, including pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. With prolonged exposure, symptoms can become more severe, leading to chronic lung diseases or reduced respiratory function.
Furthermore, direct contact with sodium selenite through the skin or mouth can also cause serious health problems. If poisoned, a worker’s body may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or digestive disorders. Even severe poisoning can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system.
Sodium selenite can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation with long-term contact, increasing the risk of skin diseases such as dermatitis or rashes. Especially in work environments with high concentrations of sodium selenite, workers may experience nervous system problems such as headaches, dizziness, or prolonged fatigue.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Sodium selenite for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of sodium selenite for human exposure depends on many factors, including the duration of exposure, the method of contact (inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion), and the health status of each individual. International health agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have issued limits on safe exposure levels to sodium selenite, primarily based on the compound’s potential for harm when it accumulates in the body.
For workers in an industrial environment, the maximum permitted concentration of sodium selenite in the air typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/m³, depending on the regulations of each country and the level of exposure in each industry. This level is calculated to avoid negative health impacts on workers throughout a work shift. These limits also require adequate ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves to minimize risks when working with the chemical.
In addition, for exposure through food or drinking water, safe limits for sodium selenite are also set by health organizations. The amount of selenium (in the form of sodium selenite) in food should not exceed the permissible level of 400 micrograms/day for adults, to ensure it does not pose a risk of poisoning. Health regulatory agencies recommend close monitoring during the production and use of sodium selenite to ensure concentrations do not exceed safe levels for humans.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Sodium selenite. Organizations like 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 Sodium selenite on workers
To minimize the health effects of sodium selenite on workers, applying preventive measures in the work environment is extremely important. One of the main measures is to enhance the ventilation system in production areas where sodium selenite is used. This helps to dilute the concentration of this compound in the air, minimizing the likelihood of workers inhaling toxic dust or vapors.
In addition, providing adequate and proper personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and safety goggles is essential. Specialized masks help prevent the inhalation of sodium selenite dust or vapors, while gloves and safety goggles protect the skin and eyes from direct contact with the chemical. Training workers on the proper use and maintenance of this protective equipment is also a crucial factor in ensuring preventive effectiveness.
Furthermore, regular monitoring and testing of sodium selenite concentrations in the air are necessary to ensure they do not exceed permissible levels. Production facilities should establish procedures for equipment inspection and maintenance to ensure that pollution control equipment such as ventilation fans and air filters are always operating effectively.
Another factor that needs attention is the health and care of workers. Companies should organize periodic health check-ups to detect early signs of selenium poisoning, allowing for timely intervention if health problems arise. At the same time, creating a safe work environment and minimizing direct exposure time to sodium selenite are also important measures to protect workers’ health.
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, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National 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.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of the client’s 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 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 carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for occupational environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our price list provides detailed information about 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
