Working environment factors
How does Ethchlorvynol affect workers’ health?
Apr
Ethchlorvynol (C7H9ClO) is a chemical used in several industries, but few are aware of the potential risks it poses to workers’ health. This article will reveal the serious effects and how to ensure safety when working with this substance.
1. What is Ethchlorvynol?
Ethchlorvynol, with the chemical formula C7H9ClO, is an organic compound belonging to the hypnotic and sedative groups, once used in medicine to treat insomnia or as a mild sedative. Structurally, Ethchlorvynol consists of seven carbon atoms, nine hydrogen atoms, one chlorine atom, and one oxygen atom. In its pure form, this substance is typically a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor.
Ethchlorvynol works by acting on the central nervous system, causing inhibition and creating a sense of relaxation and drowsiness. However, due to its side effects and risk of addiction, Ethchlorvynol is increasingly less used in modern medicine. Instead, it may still be used in some industrial processes or chemical research where its specific chemical properties are needed.
Clearly understanding what Ethchlorvynol is, as well as its chemical characteristics, is a crucial first step in assessing its danger level and developing appropriate safety measures when working in an environment where this substance is used.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Ethchlorvynol | Ethchlorvynol | 29055100 | 113-18-8 | C7H9ClO |
See more: Chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Ethchlorvynol originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, this compound typically arises from synthetic chemical reactions involving halogenated organic compounds and alcohols. The preparation process often uses precursors such as acetylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and compounds with hydroxyl groups. When these reactions occur under specific temperature and pressure conditions, they create intermediate products, from which the target compound with the formula C7H9ClO is generated.
Additionally, in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing plants, this substance can be generated as a primary or by-product in the synthesis chain for sedatives or similar chemicals. The use of organic solvents, catalysts, and other reactants can also contribute to the creation or release of small amounts of this substance into the production environment. If not well-controlled, it can exist in the air, as chemical vapor, or on contact surfaces in the work area.
3. Industries that use Ethchlorvynol in production
This compound was once commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the production of sedatives and sleeping pills. Although there are now many safer alternatives, it is still used in the formulation of special drug formulas in some research facilities or traditional drug manufacturing plants.
Outside the medical and pharmaceutical fields, some chemical industries may also use this substance in the synthesis of intermediate organic compounds. Specifically, factories producing specialty chemicals or organic synthesis laboratories may use it to create compounds with similar structures or related functions.
Some other industries, such as the production of solvents, special chemical materials, or products for research, may also use this compound in certain stages of chemical reactions where highly specific reactants are required.
4. How does Ethchlorvynol affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this compound in the workplace, especially through inhalation or skin contact, many negative health effects can occur. One of the most common impacts is central nervous system depression, causing symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, and slow reflexes. If exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations, workers may experience confusion, persistent fatigue, and even cognitive impairment.
Additionally, this substance can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of chest tightness. In some cases, skin contact can cause contact dermatitis, dry skin, or a red rash. For individuals with sensitive dispositions, allergic reactions can occur even with low-level exposure.
Ingestion or inhalation of large amounts in a short period can cause acute poisoning, with symptoms such as loss of balance, slurred speech, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to unconsciousness or respiratory distress. Long-term risks include damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system if proper protective measures and workplace environment controls are not in place.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethchlorvynol for human exposure
Currently, no specific information has been found regarding safe exposure concentrations for Ethchlorvynol in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining a safe level of exposure to Ethchlorvynol requires reference to international standards and good industry practices.
However, according to information found from a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), the recommended time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit for this substance is 0.4 mg/m³ for an 8-hour workday, with a warning about the potential for skin absorption.
Note, not all organizations have specific regulations on exposure limits for this compound!
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Ethchlorvynol. Organizations like 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 mitigate the effects of Ethchlorvynol on worker health
To protect workers’ health from the negative impacts of this compound, effective control and prevention measures must be implemented in the workplace.
First, the use of engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation is very important. This system helps remove chemical vapors and dust at the source of generation, preventing them from spreading into the general workplace air. Proper design and maintenance of the ventilation system will minimize the risk of inhaling toxic substances.
Next, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. Workers should be equipped with chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, impermeable gowns, and respirators when working with or near this compound. In particular, when there is a risk of exposure to vapor or dust, a standard air-purifying respirator should be used to protect the respiratory tract.
In addition, safe work procedures must be established and followed. This includes training workers on how to handle, store, and dispose of the compound correctly. Regular cleaning of the work area and using appropriate detergents to clean equipment surfaces and contact areas also helps minimize exposure risk.
Finally, monitoring the work environment to measure the concentration of the compound in the air and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures is crucial. If concentrations are found to exceed safe levels, existing control measures should be reviewed and improved to ensure a safe working environment for employees.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about 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 adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of occupational environment quality throughout all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, addressing, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational 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 things possible.
- Along with a team of Masters and Engineers with rich experience and expertise, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Coming to Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely confident in 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 also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
