Working environment factors
How does Propylene affect workers’ health?
Jan
The chemical 1-Propene (C₃H₆) – an important chemical in the manufacturing industry – poses a serious health risk to workers. Let’s explore the effects it can have in the work environment and the necessary protective measures to minimize the risk.
1. What is 1-Propene?
1-Propene, also known as propylene, is an unsaturated organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₆. It belongs to the alkene group and has one double bond between two carbon atoms in the molecule. The molecular structure of 1-Propene is represented by the structural formula CH₂=CH-CH₃, where the CH₂= group indicates the double bond between the first two carbon atoms, and CH₃ is the methyl group attached to the third carbon atom.
1-Propene is a colorless gas with a mild, petroleum-like odor. It is widely used in the chemical industry, especially in the production of polypropylene plastic, a common thermoplastic in many applications. In addition, 1-Propene is also used in the production of other chemicals such as propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and other organic compounds.
With its unsaturated nature, 1-Propene can participate in addition, polymerization, and oxidation reactions, creating many useful products in industry. However, due to its flammability and toxicity, the use and handling of 1-Propene require strict safety measures to protect human health and the environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Propylen | 1-Propene | 27111400 | 115-07-1 | C3H6 |
See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does 1-Propene originate from in the production process?
During production, 1-Propene is mainly generated from petroleum and natural gas processing. One of the main methods is the cracking process, in which heavy hydrocarbon molecules from petroleum or natural gas are broken down into smaller molecules, including 1-Propene. This process usually takes place at high temperatures and pressures, which helps to break down large molecules into smaller organic compounds that are more valuable for industrial use.
In addition, 1-Propene can also be produced through the oxidation of propane, another method in the chemical industry. This process often uses air or oxygen to convert propane into 1-Propene, while also creating by-products such as acrolein and acetonitrile. However, this method is less commonly used than cracking because it requires more complex technical conditions.
Another source of 1-Propene is from the production of ethylene, where propylene is created as a by-product in ethylene production plants through the cracking of heavy hydrocarbons. At some facilities, 1-Propene can also be separated from the mixture of products obtained in the production of ethylene and propylene, which helps to optimize production efficiency.
3. Industries that use 1-Propene in production
1-Propene is widely used in many industries, especially in the plastics manufacturing sector. It is the main raw material for producing polypropylene, a thermoplastic with very common applications in fields such as packaging, household products, the automotive industry, and electronic devices. Polypropylene is produced from 1-Propene through a polymerization process, creating products with high mechanical properties, durability, and good heat resistance.
Besides, 1-Propene is also used in the petrochemical industry to produce other chemicals such as propylene oxide, an important compound in the production of insulating materials, solvents, and other plastics. In addition, it is also the starting material for the production of acrylonitrile, an important organic compound in the textile industry, especially in the production of acrylic fibers.
The chemical industry also uses 1-Propene in other chemical synthesis reactions, such as the production of various organic compounds, detergents, and specialty chemical products. 1-Propene participates in addition, polymerization, and oxidation reactions, helping to create many valuable products in industry.
4. How does 1-Propene affect workers?
When workers are in an environment with the presence of 1-Propene, they may face many health risks, especially if safety measures are not followed. The vapor of 1-Propene can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Long-term exposure to 1-Propene vapor can lead to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or bronchitis. 1-Propene vapor can also cause dizziness, headache, and nausea if inhaled at high concentrations.
Besides, 1-Propene is a flammable and explosive substance, so in a work environment where this chemical is present, the risk of fire and explosion is very high. Fires or explosions involving 1-Propene can pose a serious danger to the life and health of workers, especially when there are no suitable fire protection systems.
In addition, long-term exposure to 1-Propene may lead to long-term negative effects on the central nervous system. Although studies have not fully confirmed this, there are some concerns about the possibility that 1-Propene could cause serious health problems such as affecting the nervous system or even being a carcinogen, especially with prolonged exposure at high concentrations.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 1-Propene for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of 1-Propene for human exposure is regulated by international occupational safety organizations and health regulatory agencies. According to the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the concentration of 1-Propene in the air should not exceed 500 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.
In addition, the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL), which is the maximum permissible concentration for a 15-minute period, should not exceed 1000 ppm. These standards are set to protect the health of workers from potential harm when exposed to 1-Propene in the workplace.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Propylene is important. Organizations like 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 1-Propene on workers
To minimize the health effects of 1-Propene on workers, strict safety measures must be applied in the work environment. One of the most important measures is to improve the ventilation system in the work area, which helps to reduce the concentration of 1-Propene in the air. Ventilation systems should be designed so that air can circulate easily and continuously, while also removing hazardous gases, including 1-Propene.
Besides, workers need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as masks, respirators, gloves, and eye protection. This equipment helps to minimize the possibility of direct contact with the vapor of 1-Propene, protecting workers from respiratory, eye, and skin irritation.
Monitoring the concentration of 1-Propene in the air is an indispensable factor. Companies need to establish a continuous measurement system to ensure that the concentration of 1-Propene always remains within the safe permissible level. If a concentration exceeding the limit is detected, emergency measures such as increasing ventilation or evacuating employees from the contaminated area must be taken immediately.
In addition, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks associated with 1-Propene and how to protect themselves is also an important measure. Workers need to be instructed on how to properly use protective equipment and to be aware of the signs of exposure to this chemical, so they can proactively prevent health risks.
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 organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of hazard 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 SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists 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 options 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. You will also 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 customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table 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 advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
