Working environment factors
How does Ethoxyquin affect workers’ health?
Apr
Ethoxyquin (C14H19NO) is a chemical commonly used in industry, but few are aware of its impact on the health of workers. This article will reveal the potential effects of exposure to Ethoxyquin in a factory environment – you shouldn’t miss this!
1. What is Ethoxyquin?
Ethoxyquin is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₄H₁₉NO, known as a synthetic antioxidant. The molecular structure of ethoxyquin includes a quinoline ring with three methyl groups at the 2,2, and 4 positions, and an ethoxy group at the 6 position.
Under normal conditions, ethoxyquin exists as a viscous liquid, ranging in color from pale yellow to brown. It has a boiling point in the range of 123–125°C at a pressure of 2 mmHg and a molecular weight of 217.31 g/mol.
Ethoxyquin is insoluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents such as benzene, gasoline, ether, ethanol, and carbon tetrachloride.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Ethoxyquin | Ethoxyquin | 29333990 | 91-53-2 | C14H19NO |
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 Ethoxyquin originate from in the production process?
During production, ethoxyquin is synthesized through a condensation reaction between p-phenetidine and acetone under the action of a catalyst. Specifically, p-phenetidine and acetone are combined under temperature conditions ranging from 110 to 140°C, in the presence of a catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or iodine, to create ethoxyquin.
In this process, p-phenetidine serves as the main precursor, and acetone acts as a methylating agent, leading to the formation of the characteristic quinoline structure of ethoxyquin. After the reaction is complete, the product is purified through vacuum distillation and may be further processed by column chromatography to achieve high purity.
Additionally, some other production methods are also noted, including the use of different catalysts such as concentrated hydrochloric acid, aluminum chloride, or hydrogen bromide, with reaction temperatures ranging from 100 to 170°C.
3. Industries that use Ethoxyquin in production
In the manufacturing sector, ethoxyquin is widely used in several key industries. In the animal feed industry, especially for poultry and pet food, ethoxyquin acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent the oxidation of fats and vitamins, thereby extending the shelf life and maintaining the nutritional value of the product.
In the aquaculture industry, ethoxyquin is added to feed for fish and seafood to protect the quality of the feed from oxidative spoilage, ensuring the health and growth of aquatic animals.
Furthermore, ethoxyquin is also used in the spice industry, such as in chili powder and paprika, to prevent color loss due to oxidation, helping to maintain the bright color and quality of the product throughout its storage life.
4. How does Ethoxyquin affect workers?
Exposure to ethoxyquin in an industrial environment can affect the health of workers through various routes. Skin contact can cause irritation, contact dermatitis, and skin allergies. Inhaling ethoxyquin may cause respiratory irritation, although specific information on this effect is limited. Ingesting ethoxyquin can be harmful, with a median lethal dose (LD50) via the oral route in rats of 800 mg/kg.
Regarding long-term effects, studies on animals show that ethoxyquin can cause liver and kidney damage. However, data on long-term effects in humans is limited and inconclusive. Therefore, the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to occupational safety measures are necessary to minimize exposure risks and protect workers’ health.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethoxyquin for human exposure
Currently, no specific information regarding a safe exposure concentration for Ethoxyquin has been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining a safe level of exposure to Ethoxyquin requires referencing international standards and best practices in the industry.
Furthermore, no specific occupational exposure limit (PEL) has been established for ethoxyquin by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
However, according to the standards of Safe Work Australia, the exposure limit for nuisance dusts is 10 mg/m³ over an 8-hour time-weighted average, measured as inhalable dust. Although this is not a specific limit for ethoxyquin, it can be used as a temporary guideline in the absence of a specific limit.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Ethoxyquin. 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 Ethoxyquin on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of ethoxyquin on workers, several control and prevention measures should be implemented. First and foremost, ensuring an effective ventilation system in the work area is crucial to maintain air quality and reduce the concentration of ethoxyquin in the environment.
Additionally, workers should be equipped with adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to prevent direct contact with the chemical. Training and education on occupational safety also play an important role, helping workers to be aware of the risks and to follow safe work procedures when handling ethoxyquin.
Finally, periodic workplace environment monitoring helps to assess exposure levels and the effectiveness of control measures, allowing for timely adjustments to protect workers’ health.
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.
