Working environment factors
How does propane-1,2-diol affect workers’ health?
Apr
Propane-1,2-diol (C3H8O2) is a common chemical in industry, but is it truly safe? This article explores its impact on workers’ health in factory environments, helping you better understand potential risks and ways to protect yourself.
1. What is Propane-1,2-diol?
Propane-1,2-diol, also widely known as propylene glycol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O₂. It is a diol, meaning its molecule contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) located at the first and second carbon atoms in the three-carbon chain. Under normal conditions, Propane-1,2-diol appears as a colorless, viscous liquid with little or no odor and a slightly sweet taste.
This compound is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and chloroform. Its boiling point is approximately 188°C, and its freezing point is about -59°C. With its hygroscopic nature and low viscosity, Propane-1,2-diol is widely used across various industries.
However, due to its prevalence and frequent exposure in workplaces, understanding the chemical nature of Propane-1,2-diol is essential to accurately assess its safety and determine appropriate health protection measures for workers.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Propane-1,2-diol | Propane-1,2-diol | 29053200 | 57-55-6 | C3H8O2 |
See more services: Chemical safety training under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Sources of Propane-1,2-diol in Production
In industrial production, Propane-1,2-diol (C₃H₈O₂) is commonly synthesized through the hydrogenation of propylene oxide. Propylene oxide is an intermediate compound produced by the oxidation of propylene, a petroleum derivative. The reaction between propylene oxide and water, catalyzed by acid or base, produces Propane-1,2-diol along with by-products such as dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol.
Another source of Propane-1,2-diol is the hydrogenation of glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production. This method uses metal catalysts such as copper or nickel to convert glycerol into Propane-1,2-diol. However, the efficiency and cost of this method are still under study to improve feasibility for large-scale production.
In factories, Propane-1,2-diol may be generated during stages that involve solvents, stabilizers, or intermediates in the production of chemicals, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Understanding its sources is essential to ensure occupational safety and product quality control.
3. Industries Using Propane-1,2-diol in Production
Propane-1,2-diol (C₃H₈O₂) is widely used across various industries due to its chemical versatility and relatively high safety. In the food and beverage industry, it serves as a humectant, solvent for flavorings, and preservative, helping maintain moisture and extend shelf life. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, propylene glycol acts as a solvent for active ingredients in oral and topical medications, as well as in personal care products like creams and cleansers, thanks to its moisturizing properties and skin absorption enhancement.
In industrial applications, propylene glycol is used as a heat transfer fluid in HVAC systems, antifreeze in cooling and heating systems, and as a solvent in paint and cleaning product manufacturing. It is also used in unsaturated polyester production, aircraft antifreeze, and as a main component in e-cigarette liquids.
The wide range of applications demonstrates the flexibility of propylene glycol in both industrial processes and everyday consumer products.
4. Effects of Propane-1,2-diol on Workers
In production environments, workers may be exposed to Propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol) through inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact. Although this compound is considered to have low toxicity, repeated or high-concentration exposure can cause some health effects.
Skin contact, especially without protective equipment, may lead to mild irritation such as redness, itching, or peeling. Some cases may develop allergic contact dermatitis after prolonged or repeated exposure. Eye contact may cause mild irritation, including stinging or tearing.
Inhaling mist or vapors containing propylene glycol in confined workspaces can irritate the upper respiratory tract, causing coughing or throat discomfort. However, because propylene glycol has low volatility, the risk of inhaling harmful concentrations under normal working conditions is low.
Currently, there is no clear evidence of long-term effects of propylene glycol on workers’ health at typical industrial exposure levels. Nevertheless, prolonged or high-level exposure can increase the risk of skin and respiratory irritation. Therefore, using personal protective equipment and ensuring proper ventilation in work areas is necessary to minimize exposure and protect workers’ health.
5. Safe Exposure Levels for Humans
At present, there is no specific information on safe exposure limits for Propane-1,2-diol under Vietnamese law.
However, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) has set recommended exposure limits (REL) for propylene glycol monomethyl ether, a similar compound, with a maximum of 100 ppm (360 mg/m³) for an 8-hour workday, and 150 ppm (540 mg/m³) for short-term exposure.
ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) has not established official occupational limits for propylene glycol. However, it has provided Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for similar compounds, such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether, with a TLV-TWA of 50 ppm and TLV-STEL of 100 ppm.
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and minimizing exposure to Propane-1,2-diol is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. provide guidance and safety principles to protect workers from harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to Minimize the Effects of Propane-1,2-diol on Workers’ Health
To reduce the impact of Propane-1,2-diol on workers in production environments, several basic occupational safety measures should be implemented.
First, providing full personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Workers should wear gloves, safety goggles, and dust or chemical vapor masks when handling Propane-1,2-diol to prevent direct contact with skin, eyes, and respiratory pathways.
Second, controlling the work environment is necessary. Ensuring proper ventilation in production areas helps reduce airborne chemical concentrations and inhalation risks. Maintaining industrial hygiene, including cleaning and proper waste disposal, also helps minimize unnecessary exposure.
Third, training and educating workers on chemical safety is critical. Workers need guidance on using PPE, recognizing signs of exposure, and first aid measures when needed.
Finally, regular health monitoring for workers is important. Medical tests can detect early signs of toxicity or occupational diseases, allowing timely interventions.
Implementing these measures helps minimize the effects of Propane-1,2-diol on workers’ health during production.
Occupational safety training: Workers should be trained and educated on risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors, allows adjustments to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specialized in supervising and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients with planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With a “customer-centric” approach, the center focuses on client satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet Monitoring Center has become one of the reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following goals:
- We value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
- We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, committed to environmental protection and benefiting businesses.
- At Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional services from experts in the field, along with the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a pricing table for workplace environmental monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services we offer, including expenses related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can rely on the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We are committed to offering competitive and fair prices while providing quick and professional consultation for any questions about monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
