Working environment factors
How does Sodium Tripolyphosphate affect workers’ health?
Apr
Sodium tripolyphosphate (Na₅P₃O₁₀) is a common chemical in the manufacturing industry, but it also poses potential health risks to workers. This article analyzes its effects on the body with long-term exposure, helping improve awareness and effective prevention.
1. What is Sodium Tripolyphosphate?
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), also known as sodium tripolyphosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₅P₃O₁₀. It is a salt of triphosphoric acid, existing as a white, odorless powder that is easily soluble in water. STPP has mild alkalinity and is non-corrosive to skin, widely used in industries such as detergents, food, textiles, and leather processing.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Natri tripolyphotphat | Sodium tripolyphosphate | 283531 | 7758-29-4 | Na5P3O10 |
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2. Where does Sodium Tripolyphosphate originate during production?
In the production of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), the main source of this compound comes from the reaction between phosphoric acid and sodium compounds such as sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
This reaction produces a mixture of monosodium phosphate (NaH₂PO₄) and disodium phosphate (Na₂HPO₄).
The mixture is then heated to a high temperature (around 500–550°C), causing the monosodium and disodium phosphates to react and combine, forming sodium tripolyphosphate (Na₅P₃O₁₀) and water.
This method is commonly called calcination. The resulting product is cooled, dried, and ground into powder or granules for industrial applications.
3. Industries that use Sodium Tripolyphosphate in production
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is widely applied in various industries. In the food industry, STPP is used as a preservative to maintain freshness and increase water retention in products such as fish, seafood, and canned meat. It also helps improve the texture and elasticity of processed foods, such as ham and dairy products.
In the chemical industry, STPP acts as a water softener, preventing scale formation in water systems and enhancing the effectiveness of detergents. It is also used in soap and detergent production to improve cleaning ability and prevent dirt adherence to fabrics.
In the ceramics industry, STPP functions as a dispersant, improving the uniformity of clay mixtures and enhancing the final product quality. It is also important in leather processing to improve leather quality and dye absorption.
Additionally, STPP is applied in paper manufacturing to prevent oil penetration and enhance paper quality, as well as in textile dyeing to improve colorfastness and fabric quality.
4. How Sodium Tripolyphosphate affects workers
Workers exposed to sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in production environments may experience certain health effects. STPP can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Direct skin contact may cause irritation or mild burns, while eye contact can result in redness and pain. Inhaling STPP dust may irritate the nose and throat, causing coughing and breathing difficulties.
Although STPP has low acute toxicity via skin contact or ingestion, prolonged exposure or high concentrations may still lead to health problems.
5. Safe exposure levels for Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure limits for sodium tripolyphosphate in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels should refer to international standards and good industrial practices. 
At a basic level, in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and minimizing exposure to sodium tripolyphosphate is essential. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. provide guidance and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to reduce the impact of Sodium Tripolyphosphate on workers’ health
To reduce the impact of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) on workers’ health, safety measures are crucial. Workers should comply with occupational safety regulations and use personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, and safety goggles, which help minimize direct exposure to STPP.
It is also important to prevent STPP dust from spreading into the environment during handling, which reduces the risk of inhalation or unnecessary contact, minimizing respiratory and skin irritation risks.
STPP should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from high temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent decomposition, protecting both worker health and product quality.
Finally, training and raising awareness among workers about the risks associated with STPP and preventive measures are essential. This enables workers to actively protect their health and contributes to a safer working environment.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers need regular training and education on risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. Regular sessions ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environment monitoring in factories is needed to collect and analyze harmful factors, adjusting controls to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.
7. Nationwide Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environment quality across all provinces of Vietnam. With an experienced team of environmental monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center focuses on client satisfaction, meeting all needs, and providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to:
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8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Service Price List
To help businesses implement professional and effective workplace monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a detailed service price list for workplace environment monitoring.
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