Working environment factors
How does Fonofos affect workers’ health?
Apr
Fonofos (C10H15OS2P) is a toxic chemical commonly found in agricultural production. This article will explore the serious health effects of Fonofos on factory workers, from short-term symptoms to long-term consequences if not properly protected.
1. What is Fonofos?
Fonofos is an organic compound belonging to the phosphonodithioate group, used primarily as an insecticide in agriculture, especially on corn, to control pests such as aphids, stem borers, and wireworms. The chemical formula for Fonofos is C₁₀H₁₅OPS₂, with the IUPAC name O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate.
Under normal conditions, Fonofos exists as a pale yellow liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. It has a molecular weight of 246.33 g/mol, a boiling point of about 130°C at 0.1 mmHg pressure, and a density of approximately 1.16 g/cm³ at 25°C. Fonofos is almost insoluble in water (solubility of 0.001% at 20°C) but is soluble in most common organic solvents.
In terms of chemical structure, Fonofos consists of an ethyl group attached to a phosphorus atom, along with an S-phenyl group and an O-ethyl group. This structure allows Fonofos to act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, disrupting the nervous function of insects and leading to their death.
Although effective in controlling pests, the use of Fonofos has been discontinued in many countries due to its high toxicity to humans and the environment. Exposure to Fonofos can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, can affect the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Fonofos | Fonofos | 29309090 | 944-22-9 | C10H15OS2P |
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 Fonofos originate from in the production process?
In agricultural production, fonofos is primarily used as an insecticide to control pests on crops like corn.
The production of fonofos involves the reaction between thiophenol and O-ethyl ethylphosphonochloridothioate, leading to the formation of O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate, which is fonofos.
During this production process, the synthesis, purification, and packaging stages of fonofos can be the main sources of this chemical in the factory environment.
Additionally, the handling and transportation of raw materials, as well as the final product, can also contribute to the release of fonofos if not managed and controlled strictly.
3. Industries that use Fonofos in production
In the agricultural sector, fonofos was once widely used as a soil insecticide to control various insect pests. It was primarily applied to corn, but was also used on other crops such as sugarcane, peanuts, tobacco, golf course turf, and some vegetables.
Additionally, fonofos was used in the pesticide manufacturing industry, where it was synthesized and formulated into various insecticide products. However, due to its high toxicity and concerns about its effects on human health and the environment, the use of fonofos has been restricted and discontinued in many countries.
4. How does Fonofos affect workers?
Exposure to fonofos can seriously affect the health of workers. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses, causing disruption of nerve function. Acute symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive salivation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, can lead to convulsions and coma.
Long-term or repeated exposure to fonofos can cause nervous system damage, leading to numbness, a pins-and-needles sensation, and weakness in the limbs. Additionally, it can cause personality changes such as depression, anxiety, or irritability, and liver damage.
The main routes of exposure to fonofos include inhalation of vapor or dust containing fonofos, absorption through the skin upon direct contact, and ingestion due to contamination of food or hands. Workers in factories that produce or use fonofos are at the highest risk and need to be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize exposure risk.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Fonofos for human exposure
According to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the recommended exposure limit (REL) for fonofos is 0.1 mg/m³ as a time-weighted average for a 10-hour workday, with a warning about the potential for skin absorption.
Similarly, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) also proposes a threshold limit value (TLV) for fonofos of 0.1 mg/m³ as a time-weighted average for an 8-hour workday, with a warning about skin absorption.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) previously had a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for fonofos of 0.1 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average, with a skin designation.
It is important to note that these limits only apply to the concentration of fonofos in the air. When there is skin contact, workers can be exposed beyond safe levels even if the air concentration is below the mentioned limits.
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Fonofos. 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 Fonofos on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of fonofos on workers, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. Workers must be provided with and properly use PPE such as protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and respirators appropriate for the level of exposure and the nature of the work. The correct and complete use of PPE helps prevent the chemical from coming into direct contact with the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning.
In addition, strict adherence to occupational safety procedures is a prerequisite. Workers need to be trained on safe work procedures for handling, transporting, and storing fonofos, including recognizing hazard signs and response measures in case of an incident. Businesses need to establish and maintain safety regulations, ensuring that all employees understand and comply with them.
Furthermore, regular workplace environment monitoring plays an important role in assessing and controlling the level of fonofos exposure in the workplace. By measuring the concentration of the chemical in the air and the surrounding environment, businesses can identify high-risk areas and implement appropriate control measures, such as improving ventilation systems, installing toxic gas extraction equipment, or adjusting production processes to minimize the release of fonofos.
Finally, organizing periodic health check-ups for workers helps in the early detection of signs of poisoning or health effects related to fonofos. The results of these health check-ups provide important information for the business to adjust the working environment and apply appropriate protective measures, ensuring the health and safety of the workers.
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.
