Working environment factors
How does Sodium Bicarbonate affect workers’ health?
Apr
Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃) is a common chemical in many manufacturing industries, but few people know that it can affect workers’ health when exposed in factory environments. This article will clarify the effects of NaHCO₃ and how to protect workers’ health.
1. What is Sodium hydrogen carbonate?
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It is an inorganic compound in the form of white crystals, odorless, and has a salty taste. It belongs to the group of acid salts, formed when a weak acid (carbonic acid) reacts with a strong base (sodium hydroxide). The NaHCO₃ molecule consists of a sodium ion (Na⁺) and a bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻), in which the bicarbonate ion is a combination of the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) with a proton (H⁺).
NaHCO₃ has a molar mass of 84.007 g/mol and a decomposition temperature of about 50°C. When in contact with acid, NaHCO₃ reacts to form salt, water, and CO₂ gas, for example:
NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂↑
When thermally decomposed, NaHCO₃ breaks down into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), water, and CO₂ gas. This reaction is applied in fire suppression systems, as CO₂ can extinguish fire.
NaHCO₃ is mainly produced through the Solvay process, which involves the reaction of calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, ammonia, and CO₂ in water. In addition, it can also be prepared by reacting CO₂ with sodium hydroxide solution.
With its solubility in water and ability to decompose into CO₂, NaHCO₃ is widely used in many industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Natri bicacbonat | Sodium hydrogen carbonate | 28363000 | 144-55-8 | NaHCO₃ |
See more about chemical safety training under Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Sources of Sodium hydrogen carbonate in the production process
During the production of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), the main sources originate from chemical reactions in the Solvay process. This method uses raw materials such as salt (NaCl), ammonia (NH₃), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to produce NaHCO₃.
Specifically, NaCl is dissolved in water and reacts with NH₃ to create an ammonia solution.
Then, CO₂ is introduced into this solution, forming hydrogencarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻), from which NaHCO₃ is formed. This process takes place in equipment such as carbonating towers, where NaHCO₃ precipitates and is separated from the solution.
After separation, NaHCO₃ can be used directly or further calcined to convert into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).
3. Industries using Sodium hydrogen carbonate in production
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is widely applied in many manufacturing industries. In the food industry, it plays an important role as a leavening agent, helping to create porosity and crispness in baked goods such as cookies, biscuits, and fried dough sticks. In addition, NaHCO₃ is used to reduce acidity in beverages such as soft drinks and lemonade, while also improving product quality and shelf life.
In the pharmaceutical industry, NaHCO₃ is used to adjust pH in medications, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects. It is also used in the production of effervescent tablets, releasing CO₂ when dissolved in water, creating the characteristic fizzing effect.
The rubber and plastics industry uses NaHCO₃ as a blowing agent, due to its ability to release CO₂ when heated, creating a porous structure in rubber and plastic products. This improves elasticity and durability.
In the paper industry, NaHCO₃ is used as a bleaching agent, helping to remove impurities and improve the quality of the finished paper. Additionally, it is applied in soap, detergents, and cosmetics production, thanks to its alkalinity and effective cleaning properties.
NaHCO₃ is also used in water treatment, helping to adjust pH and soften hard water, thereby improving water quality in supply and wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, it is used in animal feed production, helping to stabilize living environments for livestock and enhance their health.
With such diverse and effective applications, NaHCO₃ plays an important role in many industries, contributing to improved product quality and meeting increasing market demands.
4. How Sodium hydrogen carbonate affects workers
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is generally considered safe when used in industrial and food applications. However, when directly exposed or improperly handled, it may have some effects on workers’ health.
Exposure to NaHCO₃ may cause skin and eye irritation, leading to redness, itching, or tearing. Inhalation of NaHCO₃ dust in the air may irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing or difficulty breathing. Although rare, ingesting large amounts of NaHCO₃ may cause abdominal pain or diarrhea.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Sodium hydrogen carbonate exposure to humans
Currently, no specific information on safe exposure levels of Sodium hydrogen carbonate is found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safety levels when exposed to Sodium hydrogen carbonate requires reference to international standards and good industrial practices. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and minimizing exposure to Sodium bicarbonate 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 negative chemical impacts.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Sodium hydrogen carbonate on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of sodium bicarbonate on workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:
- Airborne dust management: Use effective ventilation systems and dust extraction equipment to keep airborne sodium bicarbonate dust levels low, limiting inhalation.
- Personal protective equipment: Provide dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves for workers handling sodium bicarbonate to protect their respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
- Training and education: Organize occupational safety training courses, instructing on the use of protective equipment and handling emergencies related to sodium bicarbonate.
- Periodic health monitoring: Conduct regular health checks for workers, especially respiratory function, to detect and intervene promptly if symptoms occur.
- Safe chemical management and storage: Store sodium bicarbonate in a dry, ventilated place and comply with chemical safety regulations to reduce the risk of unintended exposure.
Implementing these measures will help protect workers’ health when working with sodium bicarbonate.
Occupational safety training: Workers should be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure awareness and compliance with safety regulations.
Regularly conduct occupational environment monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting and reducing risks to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit in monitoring and measuring occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of occupational environment monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and monitoring occupational environment issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center values customer satisfaction, meeting all needs and committing to 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 occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
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- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and bring benefits to businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the field, along with the best cost-saving benefits.
8. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quotation for occupational environment monitoring services at reasonable costs.
- Our quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We are committed to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, and we are always ready to consult and answer all questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s service quotation, customers can easily choose packages that best suit their needs. We are committed to providing the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
