Working environment factors
How does Potassium Peroxide affect workers’ health?
Apr
Workplace exposure to potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) can pose serious health risks to employees. This article will clarify the effects of this chemical and outline the necessary safety measures in a production environment.
1. What is Potassium peroxide?
Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula K₂O₂. This compound consists of two potassium (K) atoms and two oxygen (O) atoms, where the two oxygen atoms are bonded together to form a peroxide group (O₂²⁻). It is a white or slightly pale yellow solid, notable for its strong oxidizing properties.
Potassium peroxide is formed when potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, creating it along with potassium oxide (K₂O) and potassium superoxide (KO₂). This compound reacts strongly with water, releasing oxygen and potassium hydroxide (KOH), as shown in the equation:
K₂O₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂
Due to its strong reactivity and oxygen-generating ability, potassium peroxide is often used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, explosives manufacturing, or as an oxygen source in enclosed systems like submarines or rescue kits. However, these same properties also lead to potential hazards if not strictly controlled in the workplace.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Kali peroxit | Potassium peroxide | 28153000 | 17014-71-0 | K₂O₂ |
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 Potassium peroxide originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) is created through the reaction between potassium metal and oxygen gas under high-temperature conditions. This reaction takes place in a sealed reaction chamber, where potassium metal is exposed to pure oxygen, leading to the formation of K₂O₂ as a white or pale yellow solid.
After the reaction is complete, the product is cooled to prevent unwanted side reactions and is then collected as a powder or solid crystals. To achieve higher purity, the crude K₂O₂ can be purified through methods such as filtration and recrystallization. The storage of K₂O₂ is also very important, as it needs to be kept in dry and sealed conditions to prevent decomposition due to moisture or reaction with other substances in the air.
3. Industries that use Potassium peroxide in production
Potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) is a strong oxidizing agent used in several specific production sectors.
One of the important applications of K₂O₂ is in air regeneration systems, such as on submarines or spacecraft, where it helps remove CO₂ gas and supply O₂ to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
Additionally, K₂O₂ is used in the chemical industry, particularly in organic synthesis reactions, where its strong oxidizing properties are utilized to promote chemical reactions.
However, due to its high reactivity and associated safety risks, the use of K₂O₂ in production requires strict control measures and is usually limited to specialized industrial environments with high safety protocols.
4. How does Potassium peroxide affect workers?
Exposure to potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) can cause many serious health effects for workers. K₂O₂ is a strong oxidizing agent, and contact with the skin can cause severe irritation or chemical burns. If vapor or dust of K₂O₂ is inhaled, workers may experience respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.
Eye contact with K₂O₂ can cause severe irritation, pain, and redness, and may even cause eye damage if not treated promptly. Furthermore, due to its strong oxidizing properties, K₂O₂ can react with organic substances, creating a fire and explosion hazard in the workplace.
Long-term or repeated exposure to K₂O₂ can lead to chronic health problems, including damage to the lungs and other internal organs. Therefore, the use of personal protective measures and adherence to safety procedures are crucial to minimize risks when working with this chemical.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Potassium peroxide for human exposure
Currently, no specific information regarding a safe exposure concentration for Potassium peroxide has been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining a safe level of exposure to Potassium peroxide requires referencing international standards and best practices in the industry.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Potassium peroxide. 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 Potassium peroxide on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of potassium peroxide (K₂O₂) on workers, a comprehensive set of technical, organizational, and personal measures must be implemented to control the risk of exposure to this chemical.
First, providing adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory. Workers must use chemical-resistant gloves, sealed safety goggles, chemical dust-filtering masks, and suitable protective clothing. In particular, the condition of this equipment must be checked periodically to ensure its protective effectiveness.
Next, the work environment must be designed with an effective ventilation system to reduce the concentration of chemical vapors and dust in the air. Areas where K₂O₂ is stored and used must be isolated, clearly marked with warning signs, and must strictly adhere to chemical safety regulations.
Furthermore, training workers on the hazardous properties of K₂O₂, how to handle incidents, and first aid upon exposure is crucial. Regular training sessions and knowledge assessments should be organized to ensure workers master the safety procedures.
Finally, regular workplace environment monitoring should be conducted to assess the level of exposure to K₂O₂ and to adjust control measures accordingly. Compliance with the regulations in Circular 48/2020/TT-BCT on safety in the production, business, use, storage, and transport of hazardous chemicals is an important legal basis for ensuring worker safety.
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.
