Working environment factors
How does Hexamine affect workers’ health?
Apr
Hexamine (C6H12N4) is a common industrial chemical, but few people know that it poses many health risks to workers. This article will explore the dangerous effects of Hexamine exposure and how to ensure safety in a factory environment.
1. What is Hexamine?
Hexamine, also known as hexamethylenetetramine, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₁₂N₄. It is a white, odorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water and some organic solvents like ethanol and methanol. Hexamine is formed from the reaction between formaldehyde (CH₂O) and ammonia (NH₃), according to the chemical equation:
6 CH₂O + 4 NH₃ → C₆H₁₂N₄ + 6 H₂O
This compound is slightly alkaline and quite heat-stable, with a melting point of around 280°C. When heated or in an acidic environment, hexamine can decompose into formaldehyde and ammonia. Thanks to these properties, hexamine is widely used in many industrial and medical fields.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hexamin | Hexamine | 29336900 | 100-97-0 | C6H12N4 |
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 Hexamine originate from in the production process?
During production, hexamine is synthesized through the reaction between formaldehyde and ammonia. Two main methods are used: the liquid-phase method and the gas-phase method. In the liquid-phase method, formaldehyde in solution form and ammonia are mixed, leading to the formation of a hexamine solution, which is then concentrated and crystallized to obtain the final product.
Conversely, the gas-phase method uses formaldehyde in gaseous form, generated from the conversion of methanol, and gaseous ammonia. These two gases react directly in a controlled environment to produce hexamine. This method has the advantages of being energy-efficient and yielding a higher purity product.
Both methods require strict control of reaction conditions such as the molar ratio of formaldehyde and ammonia, temperature, pH, and reaction time to ensure optimal yield and product quality.
3. Industries that use Hexamine in production
In the manufacturing sector, hexamine is widely used in various industries. In the plastics and resins industry, hexamine plays a crucial role in the production of epoxy resins and phenol-formaldehyde resins, helping to improve the mechanical properties and durability of the products.
In the rubber industry, hexamine is used to produce the blowing agent dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, an important component in creating a porous structure for rubber products.
The textile industry also uses hexamine as an anti-shrinking agent and to improve fabric durability.
In the medical field, hexamine is used in the production of drugs for treating urinary tract infections and as an ingredient in topical creams for treating skin infections.
Additionally, hexamine is used in the production of explosives, adhesives, paints, solid fuel for camping stoves, and as a stabilizer in fertilizers.
4. How does Hexamine affect workers?
Exposure to hexamine in the workplace can cause many negative health effects for workers.
When hexamine dust or vapor is inhaled, the respiratory system can become irritated, leading to symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, and difficulty breathing.
Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and itching; prolonged or repeated contact can lead to allergic dermatitis.
Furthermore, hexamine can decompose into formaldehyde in the body, a substance identified as a human carcinogen, increasing the risk of related cancers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexamine for human exposure
Currently, no specific information regarding a safe exposure concentration for Hexamine has been found in Vietnamese legal documents.
Furthermore, no specific occupational exposure limits have been established for hexamine by organizations such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or NIOSH (U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Hexamine. 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 Hexamine on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of hexamine on workers, it is crucial to implement control and protection measures in the workplace. First, effective local and general ventilation systems must be installed to control the concentration of hexamine in the air, preventing the spread of its dust and vapors.
Additionally, providing workers with adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks is necessary to minimize direct contact with hexamine. Training and education on occupational safety are also important, helping workers to be aware of the risks and to follow safe work procedures when handling hexamine.
Furthermore, regular health check-ups for workers exposed to hexamine help in the early detection of any health effects, allowing for timely intervention. Finally, implementing industrial hygiene measures such as cleaning the work area and properly disposing of hexamine-containing waste is essential to ensure a safe working environment and 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.
