Working environment factors
How does Chlorine affect workers’ health?
Mar
Chlorine (Cl2) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but does it have any effect on the health of workers? This article will explore the dangerous effects of chlorine on health and effective protection measures for workers in this environment.
1. What is Chlorine?
Chlorine, with the chemical formula Cl2, is a chemical element belonging to the halogen group in the periodic table. It is a pale greenish-yellow gas that is highly corrosive and has a distinctive odor. Chlorine is found in nature primarily in compound form, such as table salt (NaCl), but in its elemental form, Cl2, it is mainly produced through industrial processes.
Chlorine is one of the most important and common chemicals in many industries, including chemical production, textiles, water treatment, and plastics manufacturing. In industry, Cl2 is produced mainly through the electrolysis of salt, which separates elemental chlorine from sodium chloride. Chlorine has the ability to react strongly with many other substances and is therefore widely used in the production of useful compounds such as PVC, bleach, and disinfectants.
However, due to its toxic nature and potential to harm health, a clear understanding of chlorine and its effects is crucial, especially for workers who are exposed to this chemical in their work environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Clorin | Chlorine | 28011000 | 7782-50-5 | Cl2 |
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 Chlorine originate from in the production process?
In the production process, the primary source of chlorine comes from chemical processing and manufacturing stages, especially when chlorine-containing compounds are created or handled. One of the most common sources of chlorine is in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing industry. The PVC production process, such as through the electrolysis of salt (NaCl), generates chlorine gas as Cl2. Additionally, chlorine can also be generated in the production of bleach, disinfectants, as well as in water treatment.
In chemical plants, chlorine can also be created from chemical reactions between different substances. For example, during the production of organic compounds like chloroform or dichloromethane, chlorine is a byproduct or a key component of the reaction process. Furthermore, factories producing pesticides and preservatives may also release chlorine into the air or environment if not strictly controlled.
Chlorine generated in these industrial processes can exist as a gas or be absorbed into liquids, posing a health risk to workers if not properly managed and controlled.
3. Industries that use Chlorine in production
Many manufacturing industries use chlorine to create essential chemical products. In the plastics industry, chlorine is a key component in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic widely used in construction, electronics, and healthcare. PVC is created through the reaction of chlorine and ethylene, resulting in durable and flexible products.
Chlorine also plays an important role in the textile industry, where it is used in the bleaching and fabric treatment processes. Chlorine compounds, such as hypochlorite, are used to remove color or impurities, helping products achieve the desired brightness and cleanliness. In the water treatment industry, chlorine is an indispensable chemical for disinfecting and purifying water sources, helping to provide clean water for domestic and industrial use.
In addition, chlorine is also used in the chemical industry to produce detergents, pesticides, and other organic compounds. In bleach production, chlorine is the main ingredient that helps effectively eliminate bacteria and whiten. The pharmaceutical and disinfectant manufacturing industries also use chlorine in the production of bleach or antiseptic drugs.
4. How does Chlorine affect workers?
When workers are in an environment with the presence of chlorine, their health can be seriously affected due to the toxic nature of this chemical. Chlorine is a highly corrosive gas, and inhaling it can cause respiratory problems such as sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, and even severe lung damage. Long-term exposure to chlorine can lead to chronic diseases, affecting respiratory function and reducing the overall health of workers.
Furthermore, chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation. Upon direct contact with chlorine, workers can suffer chemical burns, causing skin ulcers or eye stinging. Without protective measures, these injuries can become severe and difficult to treat. Chlorine can also affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which reduces labor productivity and increases the risk of accidents.
On a more serious level, exposure to chlorine in an uncontrolled work environment can cause long-term health problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cancers due to exposure to toxic compounds contained in chlorine. People working in chemical production or processing plants must be fully equipped with knowledge about the dangers related to chlorine to protect their own health.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chlorine for human exposure
In Vietnam, the permissible safe concentration of chlorine for workplace exposure is regulated in the National Technical Regulation QCVN 03:2019/BYT. Accordingly, the permissible exposure limit for chlorine gas in the workplace air is 1.5 mg/m³ (equivalent to 0.5 ppm) over an 8-hour workday.
Globally, standards for chlorine concentrations in the work environment vary by country and organization. However, many countries adhere to similar limit values to protect worker health. Compliance with these regulations is necessary to ensure safety in workplaces where chlorine is used.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Chlorine. 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 Chlorine on worker health
To minimize the health effects of chlorine on workers, preventive and protective measures are extremely important. One of the basic measures is to control the concentration of chlorine in the workplace air. Factories need to be equipped with effective ventilation systems to reduce the amount of chlorine gas in the air, while maintaining a safe level according to regulatory standards. Exhaust and air purification systems help prevent the excessive accumulation of chlorine, ensuring the work environment does not pose a high risk to workers.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial measure to protect workers from direct contact with chlorine. Workers should be equipped with specialized masks, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize the risk of chemical burns or injuries from exposure to chlorine gas or solutions. This protective equipment must be regularly inspected and replaced in a timely manner to ensure its effectiveness.
Training and raising awareness for workers is also an indispensable factor. They need to be trained on the dangers of working with chlorine, procedures for handling incidents such as chlorine gas leaks, and timely first aid measures. Moreover, strict adherence to safe work procedures and health protection at the workplace also plays a significant role in minimizing the risks posed by chlorine.
Furthermore, regular health check-ups for workers in environments where chlorine is used are also very necessary. Medical tests and examinations help to detect early signs of damage from long-term chemical exposure, allowing for timely intervention to protect the health of the 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.
