Working environment factors
How does Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione affect workers’ health?
Apr
The substance 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione (C10H6O3) is commonly used in many industries, but does it pose any potential risks to the health of workers? This article will reveal the dangerous effects and how to stay safe when working with this chemical.
1. What is 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione?
5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₀H₆O₃, belonging to the naphthoquinone group, also known as juglone in some documents. The structure of this compound includes the two-ring aromatic system of naphthalene with two carbonyl groups (C=O) at positions 1 and 4, along with a hydroxyl group (–OH) attached at position 5. Thanks to this structure, the substance has a strong ability to participate in oxidation-reduction reactions.
Regarding its physical properties, this substance exists as yellow to brown-orange crystals, with a melting point of about 164-165°C. Although insoluble in water, 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione dissolves well in organic solvents such as dioxane, chloroform, or ethanol. These properties make it widely applicable in industrial synthesis and production processes.
Regarding its chemical properties, the compound is highly reactive due to its quinone and hydroxyl groups. It tends to be oxidized or reduced in chemical reactions and can also create conversion products when reacting with nucleophiles. A general equation describing the oxidation process can be represented as:
C₁₀H₈O₂ + ½O₂ → C₁₀H₆O₃ + H₂O
(this reaction illustrates the conversion process from a precursor form containing two excess hydrogen atoms to the juglone form through an oxidation reaction).
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalen dion | 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione | 29420000 | 481-39-0 | C10H6O3 |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione originate from during the production process?
In industrial production, 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione can be created through chemical synthesis processes or extracted from natural sources. A common synthesis method begins with the nitration of 1,4-naphthoquinone to create 5-nitro-1,4-naphthoquinone, followed by the reduction of the nitro group to an amino group, and finally, hydrolysis of the corresponding diazonium salt to obtain 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione.
Additionally, this compound can also be synthesized through the oxidation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene by singlet oxygen, using catalysts such as porphyrins under UV-Vis light.
Besides synthesis methods, 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione is also found in nature, especially in the bark and leaves of the walnut tree (Juglans regia), where it is known as juglone.
3. Industries that use 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione in production
In the industrial sector, this compound is applied in many different industries:
- In the textile industry, it is used as a natural dye for fabric and wool, thanks to its ability to create a natural brown color and being environmentally friendly. In addition, in the printing ink industry, this compound plays a key role as a main component to create inks with stable and durable colors.
- In the food and cosmetics industry, this compound is used as a natural colorant, helping products achieve the desired color without the need for synthetic colorants. This is particularly important in meeting the growing consumer demand for natural and safe products.
- In the medical and pharmaceutical field, this compound is researched and applied in the synthesis of other organic compounds, especially in the development of new drugs. Its ability to participate in diverse chemical reactions makes it an important intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis.
4. How does 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione affect workers?
Exposure to 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione can cause many health effects for workers.
- When inhaled, this substance can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.
- Skin contact can cause irritation, redness, and dermatitis. If it comes into contact with the eyes, this compound can cause severe irritation, leading to redness, pain, and blurred vision.
- Ingesting 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione can cause severe toxicity, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Long-term or repeated exposure to high concentrations of this substance can lead to more serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage.
- In addition, inhaling dust containing this compound over a long period can cause lung diseases such as pneumonia or fibrosis.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione for human exposure
Currently, specific information on safe exposure concentrations for 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione has not been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe level of exposure to 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione requires reference to international standards and good practices in the industry.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione. 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 minimize the effects of 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthalene dione on worker health
To minimize the effects of this compound on worker health, it is necessary to:
- Implement technical control measures such as using local and general ventilation systems to maintain the concentration of chemical vapors at the lowest possible level. Installing an exhaust system at the source of emission helps prevent the spread of toxic vapors in the air.
- Workers need to be fully equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, chemical safety goggles, protective clothing, and respirators when necessary. The use of this equipment helps protect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system from the effects of the chemical.
- Training on chemical safety is an important factor, helping workers to be aware of the risks and know how to handle emergency situations. Training courses should include information on the properties of the chemical, preventive measures, and incident response procedures.
- In addition, periodic medical surveillance should be conducted for workers exposed to this chemical to detect early signs of health effects and take timely intervention measures. Periodic health checks help evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures and make adjustments as needed.
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 needs to 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 the level of hazard to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Center for Occupational Environment Monitoring
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for 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 supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the working environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits 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 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 solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and a 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. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Price Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Valued customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We commit 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 monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing you the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
