Working environment factors
How does Dichloropropene affect workers’ health?
Mar
1,3-Dichloropropene (C3H4Cl2) is a common chemical in production, but few are aware that it poses many health risks to workers. Long-term exposure can cause irritation, affect respiration, and even have serious impacts on the nervous system. This article will help you better understand the risks and how to protect your health.
1. What is 1,3-Dichloropropene?
1,3-Dichloropropene, with the chemical formula C₃H₄Cl₂, is an organic compound belonging to the halogenated derivative group of propene. This compound exists as a colorless to straw-colored liquid, with a sweet smell similar to chloroform. It is volatile and sparingly soluble in water.
It is primarily used in agriculture as a pesticide, especially as a soil fumigant and nematicide. 1,3-Dichloropropene is usually produced as a mixture of geometric isomers (Z) and (E).
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Diclo propen | 1,3-Dichloro propene | 29032900 | 542-75-6 | C3H4Cl2 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does 1,3-Dichloropropene originate from during the production process?
The compound C₃H₄Cl₂ is primarily generated during the production of agricultural chemicals, especially pesticides and soil fumigants. It is commonly synthesized through the chlorination of propene, where propene reacts with chlorine to create a mixture of chlorinated derivatives, including 1,3-Dichloropropene.
In manufacturing plants, this compound can be released from processes such as handling raw materials, formulation, packaging, and storage. When systems are not tightly sealed, vapors of this compound can leak into the work environment. Additionally, activities like pumping, mixing, transporting chemicals, or cleaning tanks are also sources of toxic gas emissions into the air.
Furthermore, in some other industries, this compound may appear as a by-product of the synthesis of organic compounds containing chlorine. Emissions from the production process, if not properly controlled and treated, can increase pollution levels and affect workers’ health.
3. Industries that use 1,3-Dichloropropene in production
The compound C₃H₄Cl₂ is widely used in the agricultural industry, particularly in the production of pesticides and soil fumigants. It plays a crucial role in controlling nematodes that are harmful to crops, helping to improve yield and protect the soil before planting. Companies that produce and distribute plant protection products often use this compound to create bactericidal and insecticidal formulations.
Besides agriculture, the chemical industry also uses this compound in the synthesis of chlorinated organic derivatives. It can be an intermediate material for producing other compounds for the pharmaceutical industry, flavorings, or plastic materials. Its application in this industry requires strict handling procedures to ensure occupational safety and control emissions.
In some other fields, this compound may be present in the production of adhesives, industrial solvents, or some specialty chemicals. Chemical research facilities and laboratories may also use it for analysis and testing purposes.
4. How does 1,3-Dichloropropene affect workers?
Exposure to C₃H₄Cl₂ in the workplace can cause many negative health effects for workers, especially when inhaling vapors or through direct skin contact. This compound can cause severe irritation to the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and pneumonia if exposed for a long time. People working in environments with high vapor concentrations are at risk of severe lung damage, affecting respiratory function.
Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and dermatitis. When the chemical penetrates the skin, it can cause chemical burns or allergic reactions. For the eyes, the vapors of this compound can cause stinging, redness, and even corneal damage if appropriate protective measures are not taken.
In addition to immediate effects, this compound also poses a risk of affecting the central nervous system. People working in contaminated environments may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and loss of concentration. If exposed to high levels for a long time, the risk of developing chronic nervous system diseases and cancer may increase.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 1,3-Dichloropropene for human exposure
Currently, specific information about the safe exposure concentration for 1,3-Dichloropropene in Vietnamese legal documents has not been found.
However, according to international standards such as those from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the permissible exposure limit for this compound is typically set at 1 part per million (ppm) for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The short-term exposure limit (STEL) for 15 minutes may be higher, but should not exceed 5 ppm and no more than 4 times per work shift, with a minimum interval of 60 minutes between exposures.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to 1,3-Dichloropropene. 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 1,3-Dichloropropene on workers
To minimize the impact of C₃H₄Cl₂ on workers’ health, strict control measures must be applied during the production, storage, and use of the chemical. One of the key solutions is to improve the ventilation system at the workplace to reduce the concentration of chemical vapors in the air. Local exhaust ventilation systems should be installed in areas with a high risk of emissions to prevent the accumulation of this compound.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment is an essential factor in protecting workers. Those in direct contact with the chemical need to be equipped with respirators with appropriate filters, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and specialized protective clothing. Regular replacement and inspection of protective equipment are necessary to ensure its effectiveness.
Training and raising awareness about occupational safety are important measures to help reduce the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Workers should be instructed on how to identify risks, procedures for handling chemical spills, and first aid measures in case of exposure. Furthermore, regular health check-ups for workers in environments with this chemical are necessary to detect early signs of health effects and take timely intervention measures.
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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
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.
- 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. 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.
