Working environment factors
How does Nitric Oxide affect workers’ health?
Jan
Nitric oxide (NO) is not only an important chemical in industry, but it also has a profound impact on the health of workers in a production environment. So, how does NO affect the human body with long-term exposure in factories that use this chemical? Let’s find out!
1. What is Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO))?
Nitric oxide (NO), also known as nitrogen monoxide, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NO. It is a colorless, odorless gas with very special chemical properties and plays a crucial role in many biological and industrial processes.
In its structure, Nitric oxide consists of only one nitrogen (N) atom and one oxygen (O) atom bonded together. Although NO is an extremely stable gas, when exposed to air, it can react with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – a reddish-brown gas that can cause air pollution if not controlled.
Nitric oxide is produced naturally in the human body and other organisms as an important chemical signal. It helps regulate blood pressure, enhance blood circulation, and assist in transmitting nerve signals. In addition, NO also plays a significant role in industrial sectors, especially in chemical production and material manufacturing processes.
With its strong reactive properties, NO is also used in the production of explosives and other industrial applications. However, although Nitric oxide has many useful applications, long-term exposure to NO can have adverse effects on health, especially for those working in environments with high concentrations of NO.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Nitơ monoxit | Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) | 28112990 | 10102-43-9 | NO |
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2. Where does Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) originate from during the production process?
During production, the main source of NO gas comes from high-temperature activities or chemical reactions between nitrogen-containing and oxygen-containing compounds. Industries such as fertilizer production, metallurgy, chemicals, and energy production are often places with significant NO emissions.
Reactions during fuel combustion, especially in boilers or internal combustion engines, are one of the main sources of NO gas. When the temperature in furnaces is high, nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen, forming nitric oxide. Processes like the production of nitric acid, glass, and other chemical compounds can also release NO into the environment.
In addition, some metal processing industries, particularly in welding or smelting processes, can also generate NO gas due to chemical reactions between metal and oxygen gas in a hot environment.
3. Industries that use Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) in production
Many industries in the manufacturing sector use Nitric oxide in various production processes. One of the most common industries using NO is the fertilizer industry, especially in the production process of nitric acid, which is an important compound for manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilizers. Nitric acid is used to create nitrate compounds, which are the main components of nitrate fertilizers.
Besides, the chemical industry also uses NO in the production of other chemical compounds, such as in the manufacturing of explosives or as catalysts in chemical reactions. Industries related to energy production, particularly thermal power plants and fuel combustion systems, are also significant sources of NO emissions during electricity generation.
Furthermore, the metal fabrication and steelmaking industries also use NO in processes like welding, metal cutting, and smelting operations. These stages often produce toxic gases including NO due to high temperatures in the production environment.
4. How does Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to NO for a long time in a production environment, this gas can cause many adverse health effects. Studies show that inhaling NO can directly affect the respiratory system. When this gas enters the body, it can irritate parts of the respiratory tract, especially the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and bronchitis. In some cases, NO gas can also increase the lungs’ sensitivity to other pollutants.
In addition, NO can also cause cardiovascular problems. When the concentration of NO in the air is high, it can affect the circulatory system, reducing blood circulation efficiency and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in people with a history of heart conditions. This effect is often particularly pronounced in workers in environments with high and prolonged NO concentrations.
NO gas also affects the nervous system, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, and feelings of fatigue. People who work for long periods in an environment with NO gas may experience problems with concentration, reduced work productivity, and a sense of discomfort due to the gas’s effect on the central nervous system.
However, the extent of NO’s impact on workers’ health depends on the concentration of this gas in the environment and the duration of exposure. Those working in environments with high NO concentrations, without appropriate protective measures, will face a higher risk of developing serious medical conditions.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration for exposure to NO is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations to protect workers’ health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a limit for NO concentration in the air not to exceed 25 ppb (parts per billion) in a continuous 8-hour workday environment. This level is considered not to pose a health hazard to workers during long-term exposure.
In addition, national and regional regulations also set permissible NO concentration levels in the workplace air. In many countries, this limit ranges from 25 to 50 ppb depending on the type of work and working conditions. In some special cases, if the NO concentration exceeds the permissible safe level, mitigation or protective measures such as good ventilation, personal protective equipment, or pollution reduction measures must be applied.
However, this level is only guaranteed if workers are not exposed to higher concentrations of NO for extended periods.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Nitrogen monoxide. 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 Nitric oxide (Nitrogen oxide (NO)) on workers
To minimize the health effects of NO on workers, several protective measures should be implemented in production environments where this gas is used or generated. First, improving the ventilation system is one of the most important measures. Good ventilation helps reduce the concentration of NO gas in the air, creating a safer working environment for workers. Ventilation systems must be designed to promptly remove toxic gases and maintain fresh air.
Second, using personal protective equipment is a necessary measure when the level of NO in the work environment cannot be fully controlled. Gas masks, specialized respirators, or breathing apparatus can help protect workers from inhaling harmful gases. This is especially important for those working in areas with high NO concentrations.
In addition, regular monitoring and measurement of NO concentration in the air are indispensable. Gas concentration meters can help determine the level of pollution and issue warnings when NO levels exceed safe limits. These results help production facilities make necessary adjustments in a timely manner, such as modifying production processes or changing the work locations of employees.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the health risks associated with NO is also a crucial factor. When workers clearly understand the harms of this gas, they will be more conscious of implementing self-protection measures and adhering to safety procedures. Furthermore, maintaining and servicing production equipment is also very important to minimize the generation of NO from uncontrolled sources.
Finally, improving and applying cleaner production technologies, and using less hazardous substitutes for processes that generate NO, is also a long-term solution 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.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
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.
