Working environment factors
How does Antimony Chloride affect workers’ health?
Feb
Antimony trichloride (SbCl3) is a common chemical in industrial production, but if not properly controlled, it can pose a danger to the health of workers. This article will analyze the impact of SbCl3 on health and preventive measures in manufacturing plants.
1. What is Antimony trichloride?
Antimony trichloride, with the chemical formula SbCl₃, is an inorganic compound consisting of the element antimony (Sb) and three chlorine (Cl) atoms. This compound exists as a colorless solid with a characteristic pungent odor. Antimony trichloride was historically known as “butter of antimony” due to its special chemical properties.
In its molecular structure, each antimony atom is bonded to three chlorine atoms, forming a pyramidal-shaped molecule with a Cl-Sb-Cl bond angle of approximately 97.2 degrees. This indicates that the SbCl₃ molecule has a stable molecular structure with three single bonds between Sb and Cl.
Antimony trichloride is prepared through the reaction of chlorine and antimony, or the reaction between antimony trioxide and concentrated hydrochloric acid. This process produces SbCl₃ as a solid, which is soluble in water and some other organic solvents.
With its special chemical properties, antimony trichloride is used in many fields, including:
Detection of vitamin A and carotenoids: SbCl₃ reacts with carotenoids to form a blue complex, which is used in the Carr-Price test to determine the presence of vitamin A.
Catalyst in chemical reactions: SbCl₃ is used as a catalyst in polymerization, hydro-cracking, and chlorination reactions, playing an important role in the chemical industry.
Production of other antimony salts: SbCl₃ is an important raw material in the production of other antimony salts, serving various industrial applications.
However, due to its toxic and irritating properties, the use and handling of antimony trichloride require strict adherence to 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. | Antimony clorua | Antimony trichloride | 28273990 | 10025-91-9 | SbCl3 |
See more services: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Antimony trichloride originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this compound is primarily generated from chemical reactions in industries that use antimony and chlorine. Specifically, this compound is created when antimony is treated with chlorine gas, or when antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl). This process usually takes place in chemical manufacturing plants, where there is a need for antimony trichloride as a raw material or catalyst in chemical reactions.
Additionally, in the production processes of glass, ceramics, or electronic products, this compound may also arise as a byproduct during the processing of materials containing antimony. When these products are heated or chemically treated, chlorine gas and antimony trichloride compounds can be generated, especially if the process is not tightly controlled.
Furthermore, the processing and recycling of electronic products, especially electronic circuit boards containing antimony, can also lead to the generation of this compound if not handled correctly.
3. Industries that use Antimony trichloride in production
This compound is applied in many different industries, especially in the production of chemicals and materials. In the glass industry, this compound is used to produce colored glass, particularly anti-reflective glass and optical glass. To achieve the special properties of glass, manufacturers add antimony trichloride to the glass melting process.
In addition, this compound also plays an important role in the electronics industry, where it is used as a catalyst in the production of electronic components. Particularly, in the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronic circuit boards, this compound helps improve the performance and durability of the product.
The textile industry also uses this compound to create flame-retardant products. Compounds containing antimony trichloride are used in the dyeing and finishing of fabrics to increase the fire resistance of fibers and textiles, especially in the production of protective workwear and products with high fire safety requirements.
Furthermore, this compound is also used in the production of other antimony salts, serving many industrial applications, from chemical production to household products. The chemical industry uses antimony trichloride as a raw material in the production of other antimony compounds, such as antimony pentachloride, which is used in many different fields.
4. How does Antimony trichloride affect workers?
This compound can cause serious health effects for workers upon direct or long-term exposure. When dust or vapors of this compound are inhaled, it can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, or pneumonia. Workers may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue due to the effects of the toxic vapors.
Direct contact with the skin or eyes can cause severe irritation. If this compound gets on the skin, it can cause burns, inflammation, or ulcers. When it enters the eyes, it can cause redness, pain, and may even damage the cornea if not treated promptly.
In addition, long-term exposure to this compound can lead to serious effects on the nervous system and liver. Workers in environments containing antimony trichloride are at risk of antimony poisoning, leading to health problems such as impaired liver and kidney function.
There are also studies indicating that long-term exposure to this compound can increase the risk of cancers, especially those related to the respiratory and digestive systems. This effect mainly occurs when workers do not comply with occupational safety regulations and do not use protective equipment properly.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Antimony trichloride for human exposure
According to current occupational hygiene standards, the maximum permissible concentration of antimony trichloride in the workplace air is 0.5 mg/m³. Adherence to this limit is necessary to ensure worker safety and prevent health problems related to exposure to this compound.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Antimony trichloride. 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 Antimony trichloride on worker health
To minimize the health effects of this compound on workers, safety measures must be strictly applied in the workplace. One of the important methods is to ensure adequate ventilation in the production area, which helps to reduce the concentration of the compound in the air, thereby limiting the risk of inhaling toxic dust or vapors.
In addition, workers must use full personal protective equipment such as dust masks, gloves, and safety goggles when in contact with antimony trichloride. This equipment helps protect body parts from direct contact and minimizes the risk of irritation or poisoning.
Regular monitoring of the concentration of the compound in the air is essential. Production facilities need to conduct periodic checks and monitoring to ensure that the concentration of antimony trichloride is always at a safe level. This can be done by installing gas concentration measuring devices in the work area.
Training and educating workers on preventive measures and emergency procedures is also very important. Workers should be instructed on how to recognize signs of poisoning, how to use protective gear correctly, and first aid procedures in case of exposure to this compound.
Finally, the maintenance and cleaning of the work area also play a crucial role. Regularly cleaning equipment, machinery, and the production area helps to remove dust and chemical vapors, thereby minimizing the risk of exposure for workers.
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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
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:
- 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.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best offers on costs.
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.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
