Working environment factors
How does Methyl Tetrahydrofuran affect workers’ health?
Apr
2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran (C5H10O) is a common chemical in industry, but it also poses many potential risks to workers’ health. This article will analyze its impact on health when working in factory environments, and provide effective protective measures.
1. What is 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran?
2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran, with the molecular formula C5H10O, is an organic compound belonging to the ether group, with a five-membered ring structure containing an oxygen atom. This substance is volatile, colorless, and flammable. In industry, 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran is used as a solvent in the production of chemicals and plastics. However, due to its flammability and health effects, its use and handling must comply with safety regulations.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Metyl tetrahydrofuran | 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran | 29321900 | 96-47-9 | C5H10O |
See also the service chemical safety training under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING UNDER DECREE 113
2. Sources of 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran in production
During production, 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran may arise from chemical reactions between tetrahydrofuran and methylating agents such as methyl iodide or dimethyl sulfate.
It can also be generated during the synthesis of other organic compounds, especially in reactions requiring solvents with special properties.
In addition, in some industrial processes, 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran may appear as an unwanted by-product, so appropriate control and treatment measures are needed to minimize its generation.
3. Industries using 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran in production
2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran is used in many industries thanks to its solubility and compatibility with different chemical reactions.
In the pharmaceutical field, it is used as a solvent in organic reactions and reactions with organometallic compounds, due to its good solubility and chemical stability.
In extraction industries, 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran is used to extract natural compounds such as carotenoids and flavors, thanks to its ability to dissolve organic substances and be easily removed after extraction.
It is also considered an environmentally friendly solvent, potentially replacing traditional solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diethyl ether in many industrial applications, thanks to its biodegradability and lower toxicity.
4. How 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran affects workers
Exposure to 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran can negatively impact workers’ health.
It can enter the body through respiratory, digestive, and dermal routes, leading to serious health issues. Common symptoms include skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory problems, and chronic health conditions.
Additionally, exposure may cause dry skin, cracking, and other skin issues.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran for human exposure
Currently, no specific information has been found regarding safe exposure limits for 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels requires reference to international standards and best practices in the industry. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and limiting exposure to Methyl tetrahydrofuran is essential. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of 2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran on workers’ health, implementing occupational environmental protection measures is necessary.
These solutions include establishing an occupational environmental management system, regularly maintaining and inspecting equipment and machinery, using cleaner fuels with less pollution, and planting trees within factory premises to reduce dust and regulate the microclimate.
In addition, applying advanced technologies in production also contributes to minimizing pollution and protecting workers’ health.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training should be provided periodically to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Regular occupational environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises should be conducted to collect and analyze harmful factors to workers, thereby adjusting and reducing risks to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of working environments nationwide in Vietnam. With a team of experienced environmental monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and monitoring occupational environmental issues. With the motto “customers are the center,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs and committing to providing 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 environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and bring benefits to businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from experts in the field, along with the best cost-saving offers.
8. Occupational Environmental Monitoring Service Pricing
To help businesses perform occupational environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a pricing table for occupational environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on the costs of monitoring services we offer, including expenses related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring 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 on all monitoring service inquiries.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, customers can easily select service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
