Working environment factors
How does Octabromobiphenyl affect workers’ health?
Apr
Octabromobiphenyl (C12H2Br8) is a hazardous chemical commonly used in industry. This article explores how this substance affects workers’ health in factory environments, the potential risks, and the necessary protective measures.
1. What is Octabromobiphenyl?
Octabromobiphenyl (C12H2Br8) is an organic compound belonging to the polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) group, in which each molecule contains two benzene rings connected by a carbon bridge. Its chemical formula is C12H2Br8, meaning each molecule consists of 12 carbon atoms (C), 2 hydrogen atoms (H), and 8 bromine atoms (Br).
This compound is synthesized by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on the benzene rings with bromine atoms, creating a substance with specific industrial applications. Octabromobiphenyl is commonly used as a flame retardant in plastics, rubber, and electronic products. With its strong fire-resistant properties, Octabromobiphenyl helps reduce the risk of fire in electrical equipment and consumer products. However, because it contains bromine, this compound can also pose health hazards, especially in workplaces where workers may have prolonged exposure.
Due to its complex chemical structure, Octabromobiphenyl can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of gradual toxicity over time. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of this compound is crucial to effectively apply measures to protect workers’ health.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Octabrom biphenyl | Octabromobiphenyl | 29039900 | 27858-07-07 | C12H2Br8 |
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2. Sources of Octabromobiphenyl in production processes
During production, Octabromobiphenyl is synthesized through the bromination of biphenyl. This reaction is typically performed using the Friedel–Crafts method, where biphenyl reacts with bromine in an organic solvent, using catalysts such as aluminum chloride (AlCl₃), aluminum bromide (AlBr₃), or iron (Fe) to promote bromination. This reaction replaces hydrogen atoms on the biphenyl structure with bromine atoms, forming polybrominated biphenyl derivatives (PBBs), including Octabromobiphenyl.
The production of Octabromobiphenyl can generate this compound as a by-product or due to incomplete synthesis. Additionally, emissions into the environment may occur via air, wastewater, or solid waste, especially when control measures are insufficient. Due to its persistence and high bioaccumulation potential, Octabromobiphenyl can remain in the environment for a long time, causing pollution issues.
3. Industries using Octabromobiphenyl in production
Octabromobiphenyl is primarily used in the electronics and refrigeration industries. Specifically, it is added to plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyamide to enhance flame resistance in electrical and electronic devices. This helps protect items such as computer cases, televisions, circuit boards, and other electronic components from fire hazards.
Additionally, Octabromobiphenyl is applied in the textile and synthetic fiber industry. It is used to increase the flame resistance of fabrics, making them safer in high-risk fire environments.
However, due to concerns about adverse effects on human health and the environment, the use of Octabromobiphenyl has been restricted or banned in many countries. Industries are now seeking and transitioning to safer alternative flame retardants to reduce risk and protect public health.
4. How Octabromobiphenyl affects workers
Exposure to Octabromobiphenyl in the workplace can affect workers’ health, particularly with prolonged or high-concentration exposure. Studies indicate that contact with this compound can cause skin issues, including rashes or dermatitis.
Additionally, animal studies have shown that exposure to Octabromobiphenyl can cause liver damage, including increased liver weight and altered liver cell structure.
However, research on workers exposed to Octabromobiphenyl is limited, and further studies are needed to clearly determine specific health impacts.
5. Safe exposure levels of Octabromobiphenyl for humans
Currently, no specific information on safe exposure levels of Octabromobiphenyl is found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure should refer to international standards and best practices in the industry. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and minimizing exposure to Octabromobiphenyl is important. Organizations like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize Octabromobiphenyl’s impact on workers’ health
To reduce the effects of Octabromobiphenyl on workers’ health, technical, administrative, and personal protective measures must be applied in the workplace.
First, improving the ventilation system in areas using Octabromobiphenyl is essential. Mechanical ventilation can remove chemical vapors from the air, ensuring that Octabromobiphenyl concentrations remain within safe limits. Regular inspection and maintenance are necessary to ensure effective operation.
Moreover, factories and production facilities should conduct periodic workplace monitoring, measure Octabromobiphenyl levels in the air, and assess potential risks. This helps identify high-risk areas early, allowing adjustments such as enhanced ventilation, process changes, or limiting workers’ exposure time.
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) is also crucial. Workers should be equipped with respirators, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing to reduce direct skin and respiratory exposure. Workers must also receive proper training on PPE use and recognizing chemical poisoning symptoms for timely response.
Administrative measures, such as limiting exposure time and rotating tasks to prevent continuous contact with the chemical, are effective ways to reduce risk. Training and raising awareness of occupational safety are vital, including identifying hazards, understanding safety procedures, and knowing how to respond in case of incidents involving Octabromobiphenyl.
Implementing these measures together will help minimize Octabromobiphenyl’s impact on workers’ health and ensure a safe and effective work environment.
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 understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Regular workplace environment monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors for workers, helps adjust and reduce risks to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National workplace environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in supervising and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the principle of “customer-centered service,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our service products.
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- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field and the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace environment monitoring price list
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environment monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a comprehensive and reasonably priced service price list.
- Our monitoring price list provides detailed information on the costs of our monitoring services, including expenses related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring results we provide.
- We are committed to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to promptly and professionally answer any questions regarding monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
