Working environment factors
How does Dichloroethylene affect workers’ health?
Mar
Dichloroethylene (C₂H₂Cl₂) is a hazardous chemical used in many industries, posing significant risks to the health of workers. This article will analyze its impact on the body, from respiratory and neurological effects to long-term risks, and propose effective safety measures for protection.
1. What is Dichloroethylene?
Dichloroethylene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₂Cl₂, consisting of two carbon (C) atoms, two hydrogen (H) atoms, and two chlorine (Cl) atoms.
This compound exists as a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor. Dichloroethylene is used in many industrial sectors, particularly in the production of plastics and solvents.
However, due to its chemical properties and toxicity, exposure to dichloroethylene must be strictly controlled to ensure the safety and health of workers.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Diclo etylen | Dichloroethylene | 29032900 | 540-59-0; 75-35-4 |
C2H2Cl2 |
See more: chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Dichloroethylene originate from in the production process?
During industrial production, dichloroethylene can arise from chemical reactions between ethylene and chlorine.
This reaction is catalyzed by iron(III) chloride, producing 1,2-dichloroethane (C₂H₄Cl₂), a halogenated organic compound. 1,2-dichloroethane is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor, primarily used in the production of vinyl chloride, the monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Additionally, 1,2-dichloroethane is also used as a solvent and an intermediate for other organic compounds.
3. Industries that use Dichloroethylene in production
Dichloroethylene (C₂H₂Cl₂) is a halogenated organic compound used in many industries. Particularly, in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics manufacturing industry, dichloroethylene plays an important role as an intermediate in the synthesis of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), the main raw material for producing PVC.
This process typically begins with the chlorination of ethylene to create 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), which is then thermally cracked to obtain VCM. In some processes, dichloroethylene can appear as a byproduct or intermediate in related chemical reactions.
4. How does Dichloroethylene affect workers?
Exposure to dichloroethylene can cause many negative health effects for workers. When inhaling dichloroethylene vapor, workers may experience symptoms of respiratory irritation such as coughing, difficulty breathing, a sore throat, and a runny nose. In severe cases, the lungs can be damaged, leading to pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs causing severe shortness of breath. Contact with liquid dichloroethylene on the skin can cause irritation and burning sensations.
Furthermore, dichloroethylene can also cause serious eye damage upon direct contact. Long-term exposure to dichloroethylene can lead to chronic health problems, including asthma-like symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing. Some studies suggest that exposure to dichloroethylene may increase the risk of certain cancers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dichloroethylene for human exposure
Currently, no specific information regarding a safe exposure concentration for Dichloroethylene has been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining a safe level of exposure to Dichloroethylene requires referencing international standards and best practices in the industry.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Dichloroethylene. 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 mitigate the effects of Dichloroethylene on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of dichloroethylene on workers, implementing technical and organizational labor measures is very important. First, it is necessary to improve production processes to reduce or eliminate the use of dichloroethylene, replacing it with safer technologies or chemicals. If the use of dichloroethylene is unavoidable, a closed production system should be applied to limit the release of chemical vapors into the work environment. An effective ventilation system also needs to be installed to maintain fresh air and reduce the concentration of dichloroethylene vapor in the workspace.
Besides, providing adequate and proper personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing is necessary to protect workers from direct contact with dichloroethylene. Workers need to be trained on how to use and maintain this protective equipment, as well as be fully aware of the risks and safety measures when working with dichloroethylene.
In addition, organizing regular health check-ups for workers helps in the early detection of health effects related to dichloroethylene, allowing for timely intervention. Establishing a reasonable work and rest schedule, along with an adequate nutritional diet, also contributes to strengthening resistance and minimizing the negative impacts of the work environment.
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 frequently 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 Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of workplace environment 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 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 is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, 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.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost incentives.
8. Price Quote for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our clients a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our price list provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all related costs for 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 always ready to provide quick and professional consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, you can easily choose service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
