Working environment factors
How does Dichloromethane affect workers’ health?
Mar
Dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) is a common chemical in manufacturing but poses many risks to workers’ health. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the respiratory and nervous systems and carries a risk of cancer. So, how can you identify the risks and protect your health? Let’s find out in this article!
1. What is Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, with the chemical formula CH₂Cl₂, is a halogenated organic compound. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild, sweet odor and is commonly used as a solvent in many industries, such as paint manufacturing, metal cleaning, caffeine extraction from coffee beans, and the production of plastics and adhesives.
Dichloromethane has excellent solubility with many other organic compounds, making it a popular industrial solvent. It has a low boiling point, only about 39.6°C, and evaporates easily when exposed to air. Although it is not flammable at room temperature, under certain conditions, dichloromethane can decompose into toxic gases when exposed to high temperatures or flames.
In nature, dichloromethane can be found in very small amounts from sources such as volcanoes or biological decay, but the majority is produced industrially. Due to its special physical and chemical properties, this chemical is widely used, but it also poses many risks to human health if not used and controlled properly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Di clo metan | Dichloromethane | 29031200 | 75-09-2 | CH2Cl2 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Dichloromethane originate from during the production process?
In industrial production processes, the chemical CH₂Cl₂ primarily originates from activities involving the use of solvents in various fields. The paint and metal cleaning industries are major sources of emissions, as this chemical is used to dissolve paint and clean metal surfaces before coating or welding. The evaporation of the solvent into the air leads to its dispersal into the work environment.
In the plastics and adhesives manufacturing industry, CH₂Cl₂ is used as a component in the mixing process to create adhesion or as a solvent to dissolve plastics. When exposed to high temperatures or poorly controlled environments, solvent vapors can escape, polluting the air in the surrounding work area.
Furthermore, in the food industry, particularly in the process of extracting caffeine from coffee beans, CH₂Cl₂ is used as an extraction solvent. Although most of this chemical is removed before the product reaches consumers, a certain amount can be released into the environment during the production process.
The manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and chemicals can also generate sources of CH₂Cl₂, especially when it is used as a solvent in chemical reactions. During synthesis or purification processes, solvent vapors can be released if there is no effective vapor control system.
The amount of emissions released into the air around the factory depends on the production process, the method of use, and the level of solvent vapor control. Factories not equipped with effective ventilation or emission treatment systems will have a higher risk of emitting CH₂Cl₂, affecting the work environment and the health of workers.
3. Industries that use Dichloromethane in production
In the paint and coatings industry, CH₂Cl₂ plays a crucial role as a solvent that helps dissolve components in paints, varnishes, and paint strippers. Its use includes formulating paint, cleaning metal surfaces before coating, and removing old paint. Workers in this field can be directly exposed to solvent vapors during application and tool cleaning.
The metal cleaning and electronics manufacturing industries are also common application areas for CH₂Cl₂. This chemical is used to clean metal surfaces, removing grease, dirt, and other impurities before subsequent processing steps. In electronics manufacturing, CH₂Cl₂ is often present in solvents for cleaning circuit boards and sensitive components.
In the plastics and adhesives industry, CH₂Cl₂ acts as a solvent for dissolving plastics, supporting the production of products such as polyurethane foam, industrial adhesives, and other bonding materials. The production process can release chemical vapors into the environment, especially during heating and mixing stages.
The food sector, particularly the decaffeinated coffee industry, also uses CH₂Cl₂ as a solvent to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. Although the residual amount in the final product is very small due to evaporation and purification processes, workers involved in the extraction and processing of coffee beans may be exposed to solvent vapors in the air.
Additionally, the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industries use CH₂Cl₂ in many organic compound synthesis and purification processes. It is an important solvent in drug manufacturing, herbal extraction, and as a reaction medium for many medical compounds. Pharmaceutical facilities often use closed systems to limit the release of chemical vapors, but the risk of exposure can still occur when handling raw materials or cleaning equipment.
4. How does Dichloromethane affect workers?
The chemical CH₂Cl₂ can enter a worker’s body primarily through the respiratory tract when solvent vapors evaporate into the work air. With short-term exposure to high concentrations, workers may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of balance. If a large amount is inhaled, the central nervous system can be suppressed, leading to loss of consciousness or respiratory failure.
Skin contact is also a significant route of exposure. Due to its high permeability, CH₂Cl₂ can strip the natural oils from the skin, causing dryness, irritation, or contact dermatitis. In cases of long-term or repeated contact, chronic dermatitis may develop, weakening the skin’s protective barrier and increasing the risk of infection.
The respiratory system is at risk of severe damage if working in an environment with high concentrations of CH₂Cl₂ for a long time. Prolonged inhalation of solvent vapors can lead to chronic bronchitis, lung damage, and reduced respiratory function. Furthermore, when CH₂Cl₂ enters the body, it can be metabolized into carbon monoxide, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, causing fatigue, weakness, and affecting the cardiovascular system.
Prolonged exposure to CH₂Cl₂ can also affect the central nervous system. Frequently exposed workers may experience memory problems, decreased concentration, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Some studies also show a risk of peripheral nerve damage with high-level exposure over a long period.
In addition to acute and chronic effects, many studies have indicated a cancer risk from exposure to CH₂Cl₂ in the workplace. Several international health organizations have classified this chemical as a probable human carcinogen, particularly for liver and lung cancer. The metabolism of CH₂Cl₂ in the body can create intermediate compounds that cause genetic mutations, increasing the risk of tumor development in frequently exposed individuals.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dichloromethane for human exposure
According to Decision No. 3733/2002/QD-BYT of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, the permissible exposure limit (TLV) for dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) in the workplace air is regulated as follows:
Time-Weighted Average concentration for an 8-hour workday (TWA): 50 ppm.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Dichloromethane. Organizations like 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 mitigate the health effects of Dichloromethane on workers
Controlling the work environment is a crucial factor in minimizing the impact of CH₂Cl₂ on workers’ health. An effective ventilation system, including exhaust fans and air filters, helps limit the concentration of solvent vapors in the air, reducing the risk of inhaling the chemical at high levels. Work areas should be designed with appropriate ventilation systems to ensure continuous airflow and prevent the accumulation of solvent vapors.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is a necessary measure to reduce direct contact with the chemical. Specialized respirators capable of filtering solvent vapors, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing help protect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system from the effects of CH₂Cl₂. Workers must be fully equipped and instructed on how to use PPE correctly to achieve maximum protection.
Safe work procedures must be established to limit risks when exposed to CH₂Cl₂. Businesses should adopt closed-system processes when using solvents to minimize evaporation into the environment. When handling the chemical, workers must follow safety guidelines, avoiding direct skin contact with the solvent or inhaling its vapors at close range. Containers and transport equipment for CH₂Cl₂ must be robustly designed with tight-fitting lids to prevent leaks.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks of CH₂Cl₂ is an important measure to reduce the impact of this chemical. Employees should be trained on how to recognize signs of exposure, first aid measures for overexposure, and safe work procedures. Regular training sessions help workers proactively prevent risks and react promptly in case of an incident.
Regularly monitoring and testing the concentration of CH₂Cl₂ in the workplace air helps ensure the work environment remains within safe limits. Using gas detection devices to monitor exposure levels helps to promptly detect when concentrations exceed permissible limits, allowing for appropriate adjustments. At the same time, the health of workers in environments with CH₂Cl₂ should be monitored periodically to detect early signs of effects on the respiratory, nervous, and skin systems, helping to minimize long-term impacts.
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 organize 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 Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment 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.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, 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.
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- 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. You will also get the best offers on costs.
8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Price Quotation
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a price quotation for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our price quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and result reporting. 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 price quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional quality service.
