Working environment factors
How does Procymidone affect workers’ health?
Apr
Procymidone (C13H11Cl2NO2) is a widely used chemical in the manufacturing industry, yet few people are aware that it can have serious impacts on workers’ health. This article explores the effects of procymidone on the health of employees working in production environments where this chemical is used.
1. What is Procymidone?
Procymidone is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C13H11Cl2NO2, belonging to the dicarboximide group. Its molecular structure consists of 13 carbon atoms (C), 11 hydrogen atoms (H), 2 chlorine atoms (Cl), 1 nitrogen atom (N), and 2 oxygen atoms (O). Procymidone has a molecular weight of approximately 284.14 g/mol.
The molecular structure of procymidone includes a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane ring with an azabicyclo group, linked to a dioxime group. This structure forms a stable molecule capable of interacting with enzymes in fungal cells, thereby inhibiting their growth. Procymidone functions as a broad-spectrum fungicide, effectively controlling various fungi harmful to crops. It is commonly used in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases, particularly in seed treatment and pre-harvest spraying.
However, the use of procymidone must strictly follow dosage and withdrawal period guidelines to ensure safety for human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to procymidone may affect health, especially for workers in environments where this chemical is used.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Procymidon | Procymidone | 29329990 | 32809-16-8 | C13H11Cl2NO2 |
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2. Sources of Procymidone in Production Processes
During production, procymidone is mainly synthesized through chemical reactions between organic compounds containing carboximide groups and other reagents. This process usually takes place in chemical plants specializing in pesticide production. After synthesis, procymidone is processed into final forms such as powder, granules, or solutions for convenient agricultural use.
In production environments, procymidone can originate from sources such as:
The synthesis and processing of chemicals, where leaks or dispersal of this compound may occur.
Improper use and storage of products containing procymidone, leading to its release into the air, water, or soil.
These sources can cause environmental pollution and affect workers’ health if not strictly controlled.
3. Industries Using Procymidone in Production
Industries that use procymidone in production mainly relate to agriculture and the chemical industry. In agriculture, procymidone is widely applied as a fungicide, especially to protect crops from fungal diseases. Crops such as vegetables, ornamental plants, fruit trees, and even industrial crops like tobacco can be affected by fungi, and procymidone plays an important role in protecting them. It is used in pesticide spraying, seed treatment, and agricultural product preservation.
Beyond agriculture, procymidone is also used in the pesticide manufacturing industry. Fungicide production plants often use procymidone as a key component in their product formulations. Agricultural chemical processing companies are also primary consumers of procymidone in their production processes.
Additionally, some food processing and pharmaceutical industries may use procymidone or products containing it in certain processes involving raw agricultural materials. Workers in these industries may be exposed to procymidone during production, packaging, or transportation of products.
4. Effects of Procymidone on Workers
Exposure to procymidone can cause serious health effects. Studies indicate that long-term or improper exposure may damage the liver, reproductive system, and fertility. In laboratory animals, procymidone has been found to induce Leydig cell tumors, a form of male reproductive cancer. Although there is no conclusive evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans, these effects remain a significant concern for worker health.
Furthermore, exposure to procymidone can irritate the skin and eyes, particularly upon direct or prolonged contact. Vapors or dust from this chemical may also be harmful if inhaled, leading to respiratory issues.
5. Safe Exposure Levels of Procymidone for Humans
Currently, there is no specific information regarding safe exposure levels for Procymidone in Vietnamese legislation.
However, according to international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the maximum allowable exposure levels for procymidone in the workplace are determined based on toxicity studies and health risk assessments. Specifically, according to APVMA, the maximum permissible exposure concentration for procymidone in the workplace is 0.01 mg/m³. This level applies to workers exposed to procymidone during seed treatment and other agricultural activities.
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Procymidone is essential. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from harmful chemical effects.
6. Measures to Minimize Procymidone’s Impact on Workers’ Health
To minimize procymidone’s impact on workers’ health, personal protection measures and a safe working environment are crucial. According to WHO and APVMA guidelines, the maximum allowable workplace exposure for procymidone is 0.01 mg/m³, applicable to workers handling seeds and performing other agricultural activities.
To ensure worker safety, the following measures should be implemented:
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equip workers with chemical-resistant gloves, dust masks, safety goggles, and rubber boots to prevent direct contact with procymidone.
Improve workplace ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to reduce procymidone concentration in the air.
Worker training and education: Provide knowledge on risks and preventive measures when working with procymidone.
Regular monitoring and inspections: Check procymidone levels in the air and assess workers’ health to detect early signs of exposure.
Personal hygiene procedures: Encourage handwashing and changing protective clothing after work to remove residual chemicals.
Implementing these measures helps reduce the risk of health impacts from procymidone exposure.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers should be trained and educated on risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be provided periodically to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Regular workplace environmental monitoring in factories should collect and analyze hazardous factors affecting workers and adjust conditions to minimize risks and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a comprehensive pricing list for monitoring services that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.
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