Working environment factors
How does Carbonyl Dichloride affect workers’ health?
Mar
Carbonyl dichloride (CCl2O) is a hazardous chemical used in manufacturing plants. This article will explore the impact of CCl2O on workers’ health, from short-term symptoms to long-term risks, and provide preventive measures to protect their health.
1. What is Carbonyl dichloride?
Carbonyl dichloride, with the chemical formula CCl2O, is a chemical compound belonging to the halogenated carbonyl group. Its other name is phosgene, one of the most dangerous and highly toxic chemicals. The chemical formula CCl2O indicates that each molecule of Carbonyl dichloride consists of one carbon atom (C) bonded to two chlorine atoms (Cl) and one oxygen atom (O).
Phosgene is known primarily as an industrial chemical, especially in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. It is a colorless gas with a faint, pungent odor, similar to the smell of fresh-cut hay or rotting fat. Due to its toxic nature and ease of absorption through the respiratory tract, phosgene can cause serious effects on human health, especially with prolonged exposure or at high concentrations.
Carbonyl dichloride is not only an important intermediate in many chemical reactions but also a key raw material in the synthesis of other chemical compounds such as isocyanates and urethanes. However, its danger is immense, as phosgene can cause severe damage to the lungs and respiratory organs if not used and handled carefully.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Carbonyl dichlorit | Carbonyl dichloride | 281210 | 75-44-5 | CCl2O |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Where does Carbonyl dichloride originate from in the production process?
During production, phosgene can be generated from chemical reactions involving chlorine-containing compounds. One of its main sources is when compounds like chloroform (CHCl3) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) react with oxygen or oxidizing agents in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Phosgene can also be formed during the synthesis of other organic compounds such as isocyanates or polycarbonates, when reactions are incomplete or occur under poorly controlled conditions.
Additionally, in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, or other industrial chemicals, phosgene can appear as a byproduct in reactions between chlorine-containing substances and other compounds during chemical synthesis. This generation is often related to the use of catalysts, high temperatures, or high pressures, which create favorable conditions for the formation of phosgene.
3. Industries that use Carbonyl dichloride in production
Phosgene is used mainly in the chemical industries, especially in the production of complex organic compounds. One of the typical industries using phosgene is the polycarbonate manufacturing industry, a type of plastic with good mechanical properties, widely used in the production of building materials, electronic components, and car windows. In addition, phosgene also plays an important role in the production of isocyanate compounds, the main component in the production of polyurethane, a material used in the insulation, lining, and household goods industries.
In the pharmaceutical industry, phosgene is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of some therapeutic drugs, especially compounds containing chlorophenyl and chlorocyclohexyl, which are used to treat cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Besides, phosgene is also applied in the production of agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, and in the paint, protective coating, and detergent industries, where chlorine compounds are required.
Other industries such as synthetic rubber production, water treatment chemicals, and chemicals used in chemical research also use phosgene in their production processes. The strong reactive properties of phosgene help create many useful chemicals, however, control and safety during the production process are always crucial factors to limit the risks caused by this chemical.
4. How does Carbonyl dichloride affect workers?
When workers are exposed to phosgene in the workplace, this substance can cause many serious health effects. Phosgene is a toxic gas that can cause harm primarily through the respiratory tract when workers inhale it. Upon entering the body, phosgene quickly affects the lungs, causing lung tissue damage, pulmonary edema, and chemical pneumonitis. The first symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and a feeling of fatigue, usually appearing within a few hours after exposure.
In particular, when inhaling phosgene at high concentrations or for a long time, the risk of causing serious and long-term damage to the lungs is very high. Phosgene can reduce the gas exchange capacity of the lungs, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body, which in turn affects the function of other organs. These damages can lead to chronic respiratory failure, reducing the ability to work and having a long-term impact on the health of workers.
For workers in environments with high levels of exposure to phosgene, such as in chemical manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical factories, or industries related to plastics and synthetic materials, the risk of developing respiratory diseases and other serious health problems is very high.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Carbonyl dichloride for human exposure
In Vietnam, regulations on the concentration limits of phosgene in the working environment have not been widely published. Therefore, referring to international standards is necessary to ensure occupational safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the concentration of phosgene in the air should not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ in the workplace. Phosgene concentrations from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/m³ can be fatal after about 15 minutes of exposure.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Carbonyl 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 Carbonyl dichloride on worker health
To minimize the effects of phosgene on workers’ health, implementing safety measures in the workplace is extremely important. First, the generation of phosgene during production must be strictly controlled. Ventilation systems must be installed and operated effectively, ensuring that the air in the work area is always circulating, helping to minimize the accumulation of toxic gas in enclosed spaces.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, such as respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing to limit direct contact with phosgene. This equipment not only helps protect workers from the toxic gas but also minimizes the risk of injury to body parts in the event of a leak or accidental exposure.
Another important measure is occupational safety training for workers, helping them to recognize the symptoms of phosgene poisoning, so they can respond promptly in case of an incident. Furthermore, implementing medical measures, such as regular health checks for workers, also plays a crucial role in the early detection of health problems due to long-term exposure to phosgene.
Finally, production facilities need to comply with the occupational safety regulations and standards of international and domestic organizations, and have a clear emergency plan to handle risky situations, in order to protect the health of workers while working with phosgene.
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 environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in 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 assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs and committing 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 our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- 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 cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers 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 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 also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- 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.
