Working environment factors
How does Oleum affect workers’ health?
Apr
Oleum (H₂SO₄·nSO₃) is a hazardous chemical used in industrial production. This article explores how Oleum affects workers’ health, from acute symptoms to long-term risks, and provides safety measures to protect employees when working with this chemical.
1. What is Oleum?
Oleum is an important chemical compound in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of sulfuric acid. Its chemical formula is expressed as H₂SO₄·nSO₃, where n represents the number of moles of free sulfur trioxide (SO₃) dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). This formula reflects the ratio between SO₃ and H₂SO₄ in the solution, with n varying depending on the concentration of the oleum.
Oleum is produced through the contact process, in which sulfur (S) is oxidized to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) and then dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid. This allows the creation of oleum solutions with different SO₃ concentrations, meeting the specific needs of industrial applications. When oleum is dissolved in water, the reaction is:
H₂SO₄·nSO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄
This reaction shows that dissolving oleum in water produces concentrated sulfuric acid, with the acid concentration depending on the initial amount of SO₃ in the oleum. Therefore, oleum is not only a form of sulfuric acid but also a means to adjust sulfuric acid concentration in industrial processes.
In summary, oleum is a chemical compound with the formula H₂SO₄·nSO₃, where n reflects the amount of SO₃ dissolved in sulfuric acid. It is produced via the contact process and plays a critical role in controlling sulfuric acid concentration in industrial applications.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Oleum | Oleum | 28070000 | 8014-95-7 | H2SO4·nSO3 |
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2. Sources of Oleum in production processes
In sulfuric acid production, oleum is formed when sulfur trioxide (SO₃) gas is absorbed into concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). This occurs in the SO₃ absorption stage, creating oleum solutions with the formula H₂SO₄·nSO₃, where n is the number of moles of free SO₃ dissolved in the solution.
This process typically occurs in sulfuric acid plants, where oleum is used as an intermediate to adjust sulfuric acid concentration in various industrial applications.
3. Industries using Oleum in production
Oleum is widely used in many industrial sectors. A major application is in fertilizer production, especially superphosphate fertilizers. Oleum is used to treat phosphate rock, producing phosphoric acid, an essential component of fertilizers.
It is also used in the textile industry, particularly in the production of synthetic fibers, as a sulfonation agent to produce compounds necessary for fiber manufacturing. In the chemical industry, oleum serves as a strong sulfonating agent, crucial in the production of complex organic compounds.
Additionally, oleum is applied in pharmaceuticals for the synthesis of certain drugs, and in explosives production, for compounds such as trinitrotoluene (TNT).
Oleum is also utilized in the petrochemical industry, particularly in natural gas and petroleum treatment, to remove impurities and improve the final product quality.
4. How Oleum affects workers
Exposure to oleum can have serious health impacts. Its fumes may irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin, and direct contact can cause severe burns. Therefore, the use of protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and masks is mandatory.
Oleum can evaporate, forming a hazardous mist that affects those nearby. Ensuring good ventilation is crucial to reduce this risk. Furthermore, oleum reacts strongly with water, producing hot concentrated sulfuric acid and releasing heat, which can cause burns or splashes if mishandled.
To protect health, workers must strictly follow occupational safety regulations, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain a well-ventilated workplace. Training and awareness of risks when working with oleum are essential to minimize hazards.
5. Safe exposure limits of Oleum for humans
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure limits for oleum in Vietnamese regulations. Therefore, safety levels should refer to international standards and best practices in the industry. 
At a basic level, working in an industrial environment requires compliance with safety standards and limiting exposure to oleum. Organizations like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from harmful chemical effects.
6. Measures to minimize Oleum’s impact on workers’ health
To minimize oleum’s impact, it is essential to implement safety measures in the workplace.
First, proper PPE is required, including goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and masks to protect eyes, skin, and respiratory systems.
Working in well-ventilated areas or with fume extraction systems helps reduce inhalation of acid vapors. Storing oleum in dry, cool locations away from flammable substances prevents fire and explosion risks.
In case of exposure, immediately rinse affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers need regular training on risks and safety measures when handling this chemical.
Regular workplace environmental monitoring should be conducted to collect and analyze harmful factors, allowing adjustments to minimize risks and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for supervising and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces of Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients with planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-focused,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions.
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8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
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