Working environment factors
How does Carbon Dichloride affect workers’ health?
Mar
Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) (CCl2O) is a toxic chemical commonly used in manufacturing plants. This article will provide a detailed look at the impact of phosgene on worker health, from poisoning symptoms to the necessary protective measures when working in an environment containing this chemical.
1. What is Carbonic dichloride (phosgene)?
Carbonic dichloride, also known as phosgene, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CCl₂O. Phosgene is a colorless gas with a smell like freshly cut hay or green corn; however, it is highly toxic. Phosgene is formed when carbon monoxide (CO) reacts with chlorine gas (Cl₂) in a chemical reaction, creating carbonyl chloride (COCl₂), a compound containing a carbon atom bonded to two chlorine atoms and one oxygen atom.
Phosgene has rather unique chemical properties and is used in many industries. In manufacturing, phosgene is an important raw material for the production of polyurethanes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and many other chemicals. However, due to its toxicity, phosgene was also used as a chemical weapon in World War I. Therefore, the use of phosgene must comply with strict regulations on safety and health protection.
With the chemical formula CCl₂O, phosgene is a volatile compound that can harm human health even when a very small amount is inhaled. Its dangerous effects on the human body, especially with long-term exposure, have made phosgene a substance that must be strictly controlled in work environments.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cacbon diclorua | Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) | 28112990 | 75-44-5 | CCl2O |
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 Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) originate from in the production process?
Phosgene can be generated during the production process when chemical reactions using raw materials such as carbon monoxide (CO) and chlorine (Cl₂) take place. This process primarily occurs in chemical manufacturing plants, especially when producing organic compounds containing carbon and chlorine. Phosgene is formed in thermal reactions, where carbon monoxide reacts with chlorine under specific conditions to form phosgene.
In addition, phosgene can also appear as a byproduct during the synthesis of other industrial chemicals. For example, in the production of polyurethane compounds, phosgene plays a crucial role as a raw material, but during this process, if not well-controlled, it can also be released into the environment.
The production of phosgene can occur at various stages, from the initial raw material preparation stage to the completion of the final product. When the reactants are not carefully controlled, phosgene can be generated and pose a danger to the environment and human health in the production area.
3. Industries that use Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) in production
Phosgene is used in many different manufacturing industries, mainly those that require complex chemical compounds. One of the major industries that use phosgene is the polyurethane manufacturing industry, where phosgene plays an important role in the synthesis of polyisocyanates, which are the main raw materials for producing various polyurethane plastics. This type of plastic is widely used in the production of insulation materials, pillows, cushions, paints, and other household products.
In addition, phosgene is also used in the dye manufacturing industry, especially in the synthesis of organic compounds containing chlorine. These compounds play an important role in creating colors for fabrics, leather, paper, and other industrial products. The pharmaceutical industry is another field that uses phosgene in the production of pharmacological compounds and various disease-treating drugs.
Another application of phosgene is in the chemical industry, where it is used to produce organic substances such as carbonyl chloride, an important raw material in the synthesis of many other organic compounds, especially in the production of various plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber.
Besides, phosgene also has applications in the pesticide and some agricultural chemical manufacturing industries, although its use in these sectors is not as high as in the plastics or pharmaceutical industries.
4. How does Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to phosgene, especially in a poorly controlled work environment, it can cause dangerous health effects. Phosgene is a potent poison; when inhaled, it can cause respiratory tract irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If exposure is prolonged or at high levels, phosgene can cause severe lung damage, leading to necrotizing bronchitis or acute pulmonary edema, a condition that can be life-threatening.
In addition to its effects on the respiratory system, phosgene can also affect the central nervous system. Workers exposed to phosgene may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, it can lead to a coma. Phosgene can also cause cardiovascular problems, especially with exposure at high concentrations or for a long duration.
The impact of phosgene is not limited to direct exposure to the gas but can also occur when workers come into contact with byproducts of phosgene during production. Failure to comply with occupational safety procedures when working with phosgene will increase the risk of poisoning or developing respiratory and neurological diseases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of phosgene for human exposure is regulated by international health and occupational safety organizations to protect the health of workers in environments where this substance is used. According to standards, the concentration of phosgene in the air should not exceed 0.1 ppm (parts per million) during an hour of work. This is the maximum concentration that a worker can be exposed to without causing immediate harm to health.
In addition, health agencies also recommend that the phosgene concentration should not exceed 0.1 ppm over 8 continuous hours of work, with the total exposure in a workday not exceeding this limit. Higher levels of phosgene can cause serious respiratory problems, lung damage, and other poisoning symptoms.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Carbonic dichloride. 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 Carbonic dichloride (phosgene) on worker health
To minimize the effects of phosgene on worker health, safety and protection measures must be strictly implemented in the work environment. One of the most important measures is to maintain an effective ventilation system in production areas where phosgene is used. Ensuring the air is always circulated and well-ventilated will help reduce the concentration of phosgene in the air, limiting the risk of inhaling the toxic gas.
In addition, workers must use adequate personal protective equipment such as anti-poison respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when working in an environment with potential exposure to phosgene. This equipment will help limit the direct contact of phosgene with the body, protecting workers from adverse health effects.
It is also necessary to focus on training and raising awareness for workers about the dangers of working with phosgene. Workers should be instructed on the signs and symptoms of phosgene poisoning so they can recognize it in time and handle incidents correctly.
A workplace environment monitoring system also plays a crucial role in the early detection of the presence of phosgene. Gas concentration measuring devices should be used to check the level of phosgene in work areas and ensure that the concentration is always at a safe permissible level.
Finally, conducting regular health checks for workers is an important measure to detect respiratory problems or phosgene-related diseases early, thereby allowing for timely intervention.
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, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjust 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.
