How does Alpha-Naphthyl Thiourea affect workers’ health?

How does Alpha-Naphthyl Thiourea affect workers’ health?
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Alpha-naphthylthiourea (C11H10N2S) is a chemical commonly used in manufacturing plants, but how does it affect the health of workers? This article will help you understand the health effects of this chemical on workers and how to prevent them.

1. What is Alpha-naphthylthiourea?

Alpha-naphthylthiourea (C11H10N2S) is an organic compound belonging to the thiourea group, with the chemical formula C11H10N2S. This compound’s structure includes a naphthyl group (C10H7) attached to a thiourea group (NH-C(S)-NH2). In the structure of alpha-naphthylthiourea, the naphthyl group is aromatic, which gives this compound special chemical and biological properties.

Alpha-naphthylthiourea is primarily used in industry for the production of plastics, rubber, dyes, and in applications related to chemical analysis. In addition, this compound is also used in biological research, especially in experiments involving enzymes and biochemical reactions. However, it can cause negative effects on human health if not used correctly, due to the toxicity of the sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds in its structure.

With its characteristic chemical formula, alpha-naphthylthiourea not only offers important industrial applications but also poses a potential risk to the health of workers if proper protective measures are not in place during production and use.

No. Chemical Name in Vietnamese Chemical Name in English HS Code CAS Number Chemical Formula
1. Alpha-naphthyl thiourea Alpha-naphthylthiourea 29309090 86-88-4 C11H10N2S

See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP

REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113


2. Where does Alpha-naphthylthiourea originate from in the production process?

This chemical primarily arises in manufacturing plants that use processes for synthesizing or fabricating products requiring alpha-naphthylthiourea. Industries producing rubber, plastics, dyes, or other chemical products frequently use this compound as a catalyst or antioxidant. During production, this compound can be generated directly from the chemical reaction between naphthalene and substances containing a thiourea group, or it can be a byproduct of other chemical processing.

In addition, sources can also come from side reactions during the processing of materials related to compounds containing sulfur and nitrogen. Activities such as mixing, heating, or cutting materials can create vapor or dust containing alpha-naphthylthiourea, causing it to be released into the air or the work environment. These conditions contribute to increasing the risk of worker exposure to the chemical.

An industrial chemical manufacturing plant.


3. Industries that use Alpha-naphthylthiourea in production

This compound is widely used in many different industries, especially in the fields of rubber, plastic, and dye production. In the rubber industry, it is often used as a catalyst or antioxidant to help improve product quality. Rubber manufacturing plants may use alpha-naphthylthiourea to increase the durability and flexibility of the material, while also minimizing degradation due to oxygen or light.

In addition, this compound also appears in the plastics industry, especially in the processes for making high-tech plastics. It can help enhance the stability and durability of plastic when exposed to temperature and other environmental factors. In the dye industry, alpha-naphthylthiourea plays an important role in the synthesis of special colors, helping to create stable and highly durable pigments in fabric and material dyeing products.

Besides that, this compound is also used in scientific and chemical research, especially in experiments related to enzymes and biochemistry. These applications may include testing the activity of enzymes or studying chemical reactions in a controlled environment.


4. How does Alpha-naphthylthiourea affect workers?

When exposed to this compound, workers may experience negative health effects due to its toxicity. During production, if there are no appropriate protective measures, workers can inhale the dust or vapor of alpha-naphthylthiourea, leading to respiratory problems. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of suffocation. In some severe cases, long-term exposure to this compound can cause lung diseases or respiratory system damage.

In addition, this compound can also adversely affect the skin and eyes of workers. If the skin comes into direct contact with alpha-naphthylthiourea, it can cause irritation, rashes, or allergies. Contact with the eyes can cause a burning sensation, redness, or even severe damage if not treated promptly.

Another concern is that studies have shown this compound can be toxic to the nervous system and internal organs of humans with long-term exposure. Workers in environments where alpha-naphthylthiourea is present need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of adverse health effects.


5. Permissible safe concentration of Alpha-naphthylthiourea for human exposure

According to current regulations, the concentration of Alpha-naphthylthiourea in the workplace air should not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ to ensure worker safety. Adherence to this limit helps to minimize the risk of developing respiratory and skin diseases from exposure to this chemical. However, safety standards may change over time and by country. Therefore, workers and managers need to regularly update information and comply with current regulations to ensure health and safety in the work environment.

A worker in a modern facility wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Alpha-naphthylthiourea. 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 effects of Alpha-naphthylthiourea on worker health

To minimize the effects of this compound on worker health, protective measures must be strictly applied in the work environment. One of the important measures is to ensure good ventilation in production areas to help minimize the concentration of alpha-naphthylthiourea dust and vapor in the air. The use of a dust collection system or ventilation fans can help clean the air and maintain a safe level for workers.

In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to minimize direct contact with the chemical. This equipment will help protect the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract from the harmful effects of the compound.

Furthermore, factories should also organize training and guidance sessions on occupational safety for workers, helping them to be clearly aware of the risks associated with exposure to alpha-naphthylthiourea and how to protect themselves throughout the work process. Periodically checking the health of workers is also very important to detect early symptoms of poisoning and to 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 adherence to safety rules.

Periodically organize workplace environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.


7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center

Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental 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 WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting 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 workplace environmental 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 customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
  • Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
Official letter from the Department of Health approving the eligibility to conduct workplace environmental monitoring activities
Official letter from the Department of Health approving the eligibility to conduct workplace environmental monitoring activities
  • Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.

8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring

To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental 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. You can be completely confident in 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 monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
  • With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.

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