Working environment factors
How does Chrysene affect workers’ health?
Mar
Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) is an organic compound found in many industries, especially in manufacturing plants that use this chemical. This article will explore the impact of Chrysene on worker health, from cancer risks to respiratory and skin problems.
1. What is Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene)?
Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene), with the chemical formula C18H12, is an organic compound belonging to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) group. It is one of the complex compounds with a structure consisting of three fused benzene rings, forming a large structural block. With the formula C18H12, each Chrysene molecule contains 18 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. Chrysene is a colorless compound, insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and benzene.
The molecular structure of Chrysene consists of three adjacent benzene rings, each sharing some pi bonds between the carbon atoms. Due to this characteristic, Chrysene has chemical properties similar to other PAHs, readily participating in oxidation reactions, bond-forming reactions with other molecules, and can even become an environmental pollutant when incompletely decomposed. This compound is present in many industrial products, especially from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, and it can also be found in tobacco smoke, engine exhaust, and in synthetic chemical products.
Chrysene is not only a compound that is easily decomposed in the environment, but it is also known as a carcinogen upon long-term or high-concentration human exposure. Therefore, a clear understanding of the chemical formula and properties of Chrysene is very important to assess the risks it may pose to human health, especially for workers in environments where this substance is present.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Chrysen | Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) | 29029090 | 218-01-9 | C18H12 |
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2. Where does Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) originate from in the production process?
This compound primarily arises from industrial production processes, especially in activities related to the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. During processes such as metallurgy, burning coal, or petroleum, or in industries using internal combustion engines, high-temperature reactions can create Chrysene as a byproduct. In addition, Chrysene can also be formed during the production of plastics, rubber, or resins, where incomplete decomposition reactions of organic compounds create PAHs, including Chrysene.
Besides industrial sectors, this compound can also appear in production processes related to synthetic chemicals or in waste treatment plants, where uncontrolled temperatures and chemical reaction factors can create Chrysene as a toxic substance. These places often have high levels of emission due to imperfect production conditions or a lack of control in handling exhaust gases.
Chrysene can also be present in energy production activities, especially from the combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. In thermal power plants, chemical plants, or industries related to exhaust gas treatment, this compound is mainly formed from incomplete pyrolysis reactions or from the melting and desulfurization processes of fuel.
3. Industries that use Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) in production
This substance often appears in industries related to the combustion of fuel and the production of chemical products. One of the main industries where this compound is present is the metallurgical industry. During the smelting of steel or aluminum, exhaust gases from furnaces and incomplete oxidation processes can generate Chrysene along with other PAHs.
The petrochemical industry is also a major source of Chrysene. When processing crude oil or producing petroleum products, high-temperature reactions or cracking processes (breaking down oil molecules) can create this compound. Besides, the plastics and rubber industries may also contain Chrysene in the final products or in the exhaust gases generated from the manufacturing process, especially when the production involves chemicals that easily produce PAHs.
In addition, the energy industry, especially coal and oil-fired thermal power plants, can also be a source of Chrysene due to incomplete combustion. The emissions from these plants contain many organic compounds, including Chrysene, generated from burning solid or liquid fuels.
Finally, industries that produce construction materials such as bricks, cement, and other materials may use high-heat baking processes, which in turn generate emissions containing Chrysene, especially in waste treatment systems or metal processing plants.
4. How does Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this compound in the workplace, it can cause many adverse health effects. One of the most serious impacts is the risk of cancer. Chrysene is classified as a substance that can cause cancer in humans, especially with long-term exposure to high concentrations. Inhaling dust or exhaust containing Chrysene can increase the risk of developing cancers such as lung cancer, skin cancer, or other cancers related to the respiratory system.
In addition to its carcinogenic effects, workers may also experience respiratory problems. When Chrysene is inhaled, small dust particles can enter the lungs and cause conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma, or other lung-related diseases. Workers in environments where this compound is present have a higher risk of developing lung diseases compared to those not exposed.
Chrysene can also affect the skin health of workers. Direct contact with substances containing Chrysene can cause skin conditions such as dermatitis, rashes, or skin irritation. In some severe cases, it can lead to the development of chronic skin lesions or allergic conditions.
Besides respiratory and skin issues, workers may also face long-term health problems related to the nervous and immune systems. Prolonged exposure to Chrysene can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to pathogens.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) for human exposure
In Vietnam, the safe concentration of Chrysene for human exposure is primarily regulated in standards for occupational safety and health protection for workers. Specifically, these regulations aim to ensure that exposure levels do not exceed the permissible limit in work environments where this compound is present. The Ministry of Health and relevant functional agencies stipulate that the concentration of Chrysene in the workplace air should not exceed 0.1 microgram/m³ for an 8-hour time-weighted average concentration. This level is set to protect the health of workers and minimize the risk of diseases related to long-term exposure to Chrysene.
Globally, international health and occupational safety organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have also issued recommendations and regulations on safe exposure levels for Chrysene. The WHO recommends that the concentration of Chrysene in the air should not exceed 0.1 microgram/m³ in the workplace. The IARC has classified Chrysene in Group 1, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans, and recommends minimizing exposure to this substance as much as possible, especially in industries related to the production or handling of materials containing Chrysene.
In addition, countries like the United States and those in the European Union also have similar regulations on exposure limits for Chrysene in the workplace. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US sets the maximum permissible exposure limit for Chrysene at 0.2 microgram/m³ for an 8-hour workday. These regulations are intended to protect workers from long-term health risks associated with exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds like Chrysene.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Chrysene. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Chrysene (1,2-benzophenanthrene) on worker health
To minimize the health effects of this compound on workers, preventive measures primarily focus on controlling the source of emission, improving the work environment, and directly protecting the workers. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of Chrysene in the air in work areas. Companies need to establish effective ventilation systems to clean the air, ensuring that the concentration of this compound does not exceed the permissible safe limit. Using dust extraction devices and air filtration systems is a solution that helps reduce dust and exhaust containing Chrysene in the workspace.
In addition, applying safe production processes that limit the generation of Chrysene is also very important. Advanced technologies, such as non-combustion production methods or the use of low-emission technology, can help minimize the formation of Chrysene in industries. Businesses need to ensure that machinery and equipment are properly maintained and operated to avoid the generation of toxic substances from incomplete chemical reactions.
At the same time, workers also need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize direct contact with Chrysene. The use of dust-filtering masks, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection is necessary when working in an environment where this compound may be generated. These methods help to limit direct contact with dust or exhaust containing Chrysene, thereby protecting the health of workers.
Furthermore, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks and preventive measures when working in an environment with the presence of Chrysene is also a key factor. Occupational safety training programs will help workers better understand the harmful effects of this compound and know how to use protective measures effectively.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on 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 conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The workplace environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for supervising and measuring the quality of the working environment in all provinces across Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the working environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
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8. Price quotation for workplace environment monitoring
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