Acetochlor (C14H20ClNO2) is a common agrochemical in production, but how does it affect the health of workers in factories? This article will analyze the potential harm of Acetochlor to health and measures to protect workers from the risks of this chemical.
1. What is Acetochlor?
Acetochlor, with the chemical formula C14H20ClNO2, is an organic compound belonging to the herbicide group, widely used in agriculture to control weeds. With a molecular structure consisting of 14 carbon (C) atoms, 20 hydrogen (H) atoms, 1 chlorine (Cl) atom, 1 nitrogen (N) atom, and 2 oxygen (O) atoms, Acetochlor is a colorless liquid, easily soluble in organic solvents but sparingly soluble in water.
Acetochlor works by inhibiting the growth of weeds, preventing the synthesis of fats necessary for plant life. This is one of the reasons why it is commonly used in herbicides in the agricultural industry. However, like any agrochemical, Acetochlor also poses risks to human health, especially for those who come into direct contact with it in a work environment such as a manufacturing plant or during mixing and application.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Acetochlor | Acetochlor | 29242990 | 34256-82-1 | C14H20ClNO2 |
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2. Where does Acetochlor originate from in the production process?
During the production process, Acetochlor is synthesized through complex chemical reactions. This compound is often created from the combination of basic raw materials such as acetic acid and compounds containing chlorine and nitrogen, along with other intermediates. These chemical reactions take place in a controlled temperature and pressure environment to produce Acetochlor as the final product. This production process usually occurs in specialized chemical plants, which have the equipment and systems to control quality and ensure safety during synthesis.
In addition, throughout the processing, Acetochlor can be generated as chemical gases or vapors in the factory air if not well controlled. The use of additives or chemical solvents during production can also contribute to the generation of auxiliary compounds, creating a risk of contamination in the work environment.

3. Industries that use Acetochlor in production
Acetochlor is primarily used in the agricultural industry, especially in the production of herbicides. Plants that manufacture crop protection products are the main places where this chemical is present. It is used in the formulation of herbicides to control and eliminate weeds in fields, particularly for crops like corn, rice, and others in agriculture.
Besides agriculture, Acetochlor is also present in some chemical industries, where it is used as a component in other chemical products. Herbicide manufacturing facilities, and plants that formulate and package crop protection products are places where Acetochlor may be used or encountered throughout the production process. In these occupations, workers may be exposed to the chemical during processing, packaging, or quality control of the final product.
4. How does Acetochlor affect workers?
When workers are exposed to Acetochlor during their work, this chemical can cause many negative health effects. If not properly protected, inhaling or coming into direct contact with Acetochlor can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty breathing. These effects mainly occur when the chemical evaporates or is dispersed into the air during production.
In addition, Acetochlor can also cause skin and eye irritation. Long-term exposure or high concentrations can lead to dermatitis, redness, or itching. In particular, if workers have direct contact with the chemical without protective gear, the symptoms can become more severe.
One of the serious risks of prolonged exposure to Acetochlor is its effect on the nervous and endocrine systems. Research shows that when absorbed into the body through the skin or respiratory tract, Acetochlor can accumulate in internal organs, causing dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, or even affecting reproductive ability in men. These problems can increase if workers are frequently and continuously exposed to this chemical without appropriate protective measures.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Acetochlor for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on the permissible safe concentration of Acetochlor for human exposure. However, exposure to Acetochlor can cause negative health effects, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing, skin and eye irritation, as well as effects on the nervous and endocrine systems. Therefore, adhering to safety measures and using personal protective equipment when in contact with Acetochlor is very important to minimize health risks.

At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Acetochlor. 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 impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Acetochlor on worker health
To minimize the health effects of Acetochlor on workers, applying strict protective measures throughout the work process is extremely important. First and foremost, production facilities need to ensure that workers are fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and full-body protective clothing. The use of this protective equipment helps to limit direct contact with the chemical, protecting the skin and eyes from irritation.
In addition, improving ventilation and controlling the concentration of the chemical in the air is a necessary measure to minimize exposure to chemical vapors. Ventilation systems in the factory need to be regularly maintained and serviced to ensure that the air is always well-circulated, avoiding the accumulation of chemicals in the workspace.
Furthermore, training and raising awareness among workers about the dangers of Acetochlor is also very important. They need to be trained on how to use chemicals safely, how to handle incidents, and emergency response measures. Safe work procedures must be strictly followed, especially during the stages of mixing, packaging, or quality control of the product.
Finally, regular health monitoring for workers is necessary to detect early signs of poisoning or health problems related to Acetochlor. Regular health examinations help to promptly detect health risks and take timely intervention measures.
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 workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s workplace environment monitoring center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of workplace environmental quality 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, processing, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, techniques, and personnel, 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:
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8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for 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 always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
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