Working environment factors
How does Hexafluorosilicic Acid affect workers’ health?
Feb
Hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) is a hazardous chemical present in many industrial production processes. This article will help you understand the impact of H2SiF6 on the health of workers in factory environments where this substance is used, and from there, propose effective protective measures.
1. What is Hexafluorosilicic acid?
Hexafluorosilicic acid, with the chemical formula H₂SiF₆, is an inorganic compound formed when hydrofluoric acid (HF) reacts with silicon dioxide (SiO₂). This process creates H₂SiF₆ and water according to the reaction:
SiO₂ + 6HF → H₂SiF₆ + 2H₂O
Hexafluorosilicic acid usually exists as a colorless solution with a pungent odor. It is a strong acid and is readily soluble in water, forming H⁺ and SiF₆²⁻ ions. This compound is widely used in many industries, including fertilizer production, metal processing, ceramics and glass manufacturing, as well as in water treatment applications. However, due to its corrosive and toxic properties, the use and handling of hexafluorosilicic acid require strict adherence to safety measures.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axit hexaflo silicic | Hexafluorosilicic acid | 28111990 | 16961-83-4 | H2SiF6 |
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 Hexafluorosilicic acid originate from in the production process?
During production, this compound is mainly created when hydrofluoric acid (HF) reacts with silicon dioxide (SiO₂) or silicon-containing minerals, such as fluorite ore. This process often occurs in fertilizer manufacturing plants, where silicon dioxide is present in the raw materials for phosphate production. When hydrofluoric acid is added, a chemical reaction takes place, creating hexafluorosilicic acid. Besides that, this compound can also arise in other industrial processes such as glass or metal processing, where there is a combination of silicon- and fluorine-containing compounds.
3. Industries that use Hexafluorosilicic acid in production
In industrial production, this compound is used mainly in the fertilizer industry, especially phosphate fertilizers. It is added during the processing of phosphate ore to create phosphate products containing fluoride, contributing to improving fertilizer quality. In addition, this compound is also present in the glass industry, where it helps to adjust the properties of the glass product, increasing its durability and corrosion resistance. Another application is in the production of ceramic materials, where hexafluorosilicic acid is used to improve the properties of ceramic glaze. The metal processing industries, especially in aluminum production, also use this compound to help remove impurities and improve efficiency in electrolysis processes.
4. How does Hexafluorosilicic acid affect workers?
When exposed to this compound, workers can face many serious health problems. Inhaling vapor or dust containing this substance can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. In addition, if there is long-term exposure to hexafluorosilicic acid, it can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The skin and eyes can also be severely irritated if they come into direct contact with a solution containing this compound, causing skin redness, dermatitis, or serious eye damage. In particular, if poisoned by absorption through the digestive tract or skin, this substance can harm internal organs such as the kidneys and liver. Prolonged exposure to hexafluorosilicic acid can increase the risk of bone and dental diseases, as this substance can accumulate in the body, causing problems with bone development and tooth enamel.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexafluorosilicic acid for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on the permissible safe concentration for exposure to this compound in the work environment. However, due to its corrosive and toxic nature, the use and handling of this compound require strict adherence to safety measures. It is recommended that workers wear full protective equipment when handling, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, and store the chemical in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Hexafluorosilicic acid. 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 Hexafluorosilicic acid on worker health
To minimize the effects of this compound on worker health, safety measures during the production process must be strictly implemented. First of all, workers need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, dust masks, and respiratory masks to limit exposure to chemical vapors or dust. Besides that, improving the ventilation system in the production area is also an important measure to reduce the concentration of gas in the air, thereby minimizing the possibility of inhaling toxic substances. Chemical storage areas must be safely maintained, leaks avoided, and have timely response measures in case of an incident. In addition, workers need to be trained on the risks and how to handle exposure to this compound, including first aid measures for poisoning. Regular health check-ups for workers in environments where this compound is used is also an important step to detect symptoms early and provide timely treatment.
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.
- 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.
