Working environment factors
How does Propachlor affect workers’ health?
Apr
Propachlor (C11H14ClNO) is a chemical commonly used in industry, but it also poses serious risks to workers’ health. This article explores the effects of Propachlor on the human body when working in production environments where this chemical is used, along with necessary preventive measures.
1. What is Propachlor?
Propachlor (C11H14ClNO) is an organic compound belonging to the amine group, chemically known as 2-chloro-N-isopropylacetanilide. Its molecular structure consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) attached to an amino group (-NH) and an isopropyl group (-CH(CH3)2) connected to an acetamide group (-COCH3), with a chlorine (Cl) atom at position 2 of the benzene ring. Its molecular formula is C11H14ClNO, reflecting the elements it contains: 11 carbons (C), 14 hydrogens (H), 1 chlorine (Cl), 1 nitrogen (N), and 1 oxygen (O).
Propachlor is primarily used in agriculture as a herbicide, particularly effective in controlling annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. However, due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, the use of Propachlor has been restricted or discontinued in many countries. For example, in the United States, this active ingredient ceased production in 1998 and is listed as a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65. In the European Union, Propachlor has been banned since 2009 due to the risk of groundwater contamination.
With its specific chemical structure and toxicological properties, Propachlor must be handled carefully during use and storage to prevent negative impacts on human health and the environment.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Propaclo | Propachlor | 29241200 | 1918-16-7 | C11H14ClNO |
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2. Sources of Propachlor in the production process
During production, Propachlor can arise from various sources. In pesticide manufacturing plants, the synthesis and use of Propachlor are key steps in production. Basic chemical materials such as amines, acids, and other reactants are used to produce Propachlor with the desired properties.
In the production environment, Propachlor is commonly used as part of crop protection processes to prevent the growth of fungi and harmful insects. It may appear in products such as herbicides and fertilizers, and in some cases, Propachlor is also used in other industries like textiles and rubber production.
The production and use of Propachlor can generate emissions and waste containing this compound, increasing the risk of worker exposure. This is especially important in plants with continuous production processes, where exposure levels may rise if strict controls are not implemented.
3. Industries using Propachlor in production
Propachlor is mainly used in agriculture as a herbicide, particularly effective for controlling annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It is typically applied before crops emerge or shortly after germination to inhibit weed growth and protect crop yields. Specifically, Propachlor has been widely used on crops such as corn, soybeans, and other plants, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Due to its toxicity and environmental persistence, the use of Propachlor has been restricted or discontinued in many countries. In the US, it ceased production in 1998 and is listed as a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65. In the EU, its use has been banned since 2009 to prevent groundwater contamination.
Nevertheless, Propachlor is still produced and used in some countries, especially in Asia, where herbicide demand remains high. In Vietnam, its use in agriculture must comply with safety and environmental regulations to minimize risks to workers’ health and the community.
4. Effects of Propachlor on workers
Workers exposed to Propachlor in production environments may experience health issues. A study reported cases of contact dermatitis with red bumps on the hands and forearms after 8 days of occupational exposure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that workers exposed to Propachlor use protective measures for skin, eyes, and respiratory pathways to reduce health risks.
5. Safe exposure levels of Propachlor
Currently, no specific information on safe exposure limits for Propachlor is found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels requires reference to international standards and good industrial practices. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Propachlor is crucial. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidance and principles to protect workers from harmful chemical effects.
6. Measures to minimize Propachlor impact on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Propachlor on workers’ health during production, a range of preventive measures and strict controls are necessary. Adequate ventilation in production areas is crucial to prevent chemical accumulation in the air. Ventilation systems may include exhaust fans and air filtration devices to reduce airborne chemical concentrations.
Additionally, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirator masks, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing should be provided to prevent direct exposure to Propachlor.
Training workers to recognize hazards, correctly use PPE, and respond to chemical spills is essential. Production facilities should maintain worker health records, monitor health regularly, and detect early signs of toxicity. Replacing Propachlor with less hazardous chemicals, when possible, is also an effective strategy to reduce risk.
Finally, complying with labor safety and chemical regulations, such as Circular 48/2020/TT-BCT on national technical standards for dangerous chemical production, is necessary to ensure a safe work environment and protect workers’ health.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers should be trained and educated on risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be conducted regularly to ensure understanding and compliance.
Regular workplace environmental monitoring should be conducted in factories to collect and analyze harmful factors, adjust risk levels, and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace 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 and modern measuring equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
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Besides monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, managing, and following up on workplace environmental issues. With the principle “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
Investing in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following objectives:
- We always value brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of Masters and experienced engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional service from experts, along with the best cost incentives.
8. Workplace environmental monitoring pricing
To help businesses implement professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides a detailed service pricing table with quality services and reasonable costs.
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- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily choose suitable service packages. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
