Working environment factors
How does Menthol affect workers’ health?
Apr
Menthol (C10H20O) – a familiar compound in the industry – is it safe for workers’ health? This article will clarify the effects of menthol when exposed over a long period in factory environments, helping you better understand how to protect yourself.
1. What is Menthol?
Menthol is an organic compound belonging to the monoterpenoid group, with the chemical formula C10H20O.
It mainly exists as colorless or white crystalline solids, with the characteristic refreshing mint aroma. Menthol has a melting point of about 36–38°C and a boiling point of about 214.6°C.
Menthol is poorly soluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Menthol | Menthol | 89-78-1; 2216-51-5 | C10H20O |
See more about the service chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING UNDER DECREE 113
2. Sources of Menthol in production
Menthol in production mainly originates from two sources: natural extraction from mint plants and chemical synthesis.
In the natural extraction method, peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves and stems of mint (Mentha arvensis) through steam distillation. The oil is then cooled to crystallize menthol, which is separated by filtration. This method yields natural menthol with high purity and a characteristic aroma.
In contrast, the chemical synthesis method uses precursors such as thymol, undergoing chemical reactions like hydrogenation to create menthol. This method is often applied in industries at a lower cost, especially in countries such as China and Japan.
3. Industries that use Menthol in production
Menthol is widely applied in many industries thanks to its cooling and antibacterial properties.
In the pharmaceutical industry, menthol is present in products such as nasal sprays, lozenges, cold medicines, and topical ointments, due to its ability to soothe mucous membranes and relieve coughs.
The food industry uses menthol as a flavoring agent in candies, baked goods, beverages, and other products, bringing a distinctive minty taste and refreshing sensation.
In the cosmetics industry, menthol is added to skin creams, shampoos, shower gels, and personal care products to provide a cooling effect, soothe the skin, and deodorize effectively. In addition, menthol is also used in cigarette production to create a cooling experience for users.
4. How Menthol affects workers
Exposure to menthol in the workplace may cause certain health effects on workers.
Some side effects of menthol may impact drivers and machine operators.
In addition, menthol may cause drowsiness, stomach pain, contact dermatitis, fainting, rapid and irregular heartbeat, or slower than normal heart rate.
Especially when used in products such as skin creams, it should be noted that menthol may increase the risk of skin dehydration.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Menthol for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information available regarding safe exposure levels for Menthol in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe level of exposure to Menthol requires reference to international standards and best practices in industry. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and minimizing exposure to Menthol is important. 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 chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Menthol on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of menthol on workers’ health, comprehensive protective measures should be implemented in the workplace.
First, controlling the concentration of menthol in the air is very important. Factories and production facilities need to establish effective ventilation systems to reduce menthol levels in the air, prevent accumulation of menthol vapor, and protect workers from prolonged inhalation.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing is necessary to limit direct contact with menthol. Especially in environments with high menthol concentrations, workers must be fully equipped with respiratory protection devices to prevent inhalation of menthol vapors, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning or respiratory problems.
Apart from personal protective measures, training and raising awareness for workers also play an important role in reducing health risks. Workers need to be trained on the risks of working with menthol, how to identify symptoms of poisoning, and timely response measures when incidents occur. They also need to understand the importance of complying with safety regulations and properly using protective equipment throughout their work.
Finally, companies should conduct regular health checks for workers. Frequent health monitoring helps detect early signs of abnormalities and allows timely intervention, ensuring long-term health for workers.
Occupational safety training: Workers should be trained and educated about risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training must be provided regularly to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Regularly organize occupational environment monitoring in factories to collect and analyze harmful factors affecting workers, thereby adjusting to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of working environments across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and following up on occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are at the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to provide the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, 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 goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and a desire to protect the environment while benefiting businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from experts in the field, along with the best cost benefits.
8. Occupational Environment Monitoring Service Quotation
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring service quotation.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the service fees we offer, including costs related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We are committed to always offering competitive and reasonable prices in the market, while also being ready to provide quick and professional consultation for any questions about monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose the right service packages for their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
