Working environment factors
How does scandium affect workers’ health?
Apr
Scandium (Sc) is a rare metal widely used in chemical manufacturing plants, yet few are aware that it can have serious effects on workers’ health. This article will help you understand the impact of Scandium on health and the preventive measures.
1. What is Scandium?
Scandium (chemical symbol: Sc) is a chemical element in the transition metal group, with atomic number 21 on the periodic table. With an atomic mass of approximately 44.96 u, scandium is a lightweight, silvery-white metal, soft and prone to oxidation when exposed to air, often turning pale yellow or pink.
In nature, scandium does not exist in its pure form but mainly combines with minerals such as thortveitite, bixbyite, and gadolinite. To extract scandium from these minerals, chemical methods are usually used, such as dissolving the ore in strong acids and then crystallizing scandium as compounds like scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃).
One notable feature of scandium is that it only exists in the +3 oxidation state in its compounds, which makes its chemistry less diverse compared to some other transition metals. Therefore, scandium mainly forms compounds such as Sc₂O₃, ScCl₃, and Sc₂(SO₄)₃.
With special properties such as high strength and good corrosion resistance, scandium is applied in various fields, including aerospace, specialty lighting production, and in aluminum alloys to enhance strength.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Scandi | Scandium | 28053000 | 7440-20-2 | Sc |
See more services chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Sources of Scandium in Production Processes
During production, the main sources of scandium come from mining and processing minerals containing this element. Scandium does not occur in pure form in nature but is usually combined with minerals such as thortveitite, bixbyite, and gadolinite. These minerals contain small amounts of scandium, and their extraction requires advanced technology and high costs.
The production process begins with mining scandium-containing minerals. After extraction, the minerals are crushed and treated using chemical methods to separate scandium from other components. One common method is using strong acids to dissolve the minerals, then crystallizing scandium as compounds like scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃). This process not only requires significant energy but also generates substantial waste and emissions, which can impact the environment if not properly managed.
In addition, scandium can also be recovered from by-products of processing other metals, such as aluminum or uranium. However, because scandium is a rare element, recovery from these sources is not yet widespread and is usually done only when there is specific demand or highly efficient recovery technology.
Mining and processing scandium require advanced technology and strict compliance with environmental and health regulations. Therefore, developing deep processing and recycling technologies for scandium from various sources has become an important trend in the industry today.
3. Industries Using Scandium in Production
Scandium is widely used in many manufacturing industries due to its special properties, such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and light weight. In aerospace and defense, scandium is used to produce aluminum-scandium alloys, reducing weight and increasing strength for aircraft components, spacecraft, and other military equipment. This alloy has been used in military aircraft such as Russia’s MiG-21 and MiG-29.
In the lighting industry, scandium is used in high-intensity metal halide lamps, improving light efficiency and quality. These lamps are commonly used in street lighting, stadiums, and other public areas.
Furthermore, scandium is applied in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of electronic components and semiconductors. Scandium compounds are used in thin-film deposition processes, providing high precision and reliability in manufacturing electronic components.
In the sports industry, scandium is used to produce sports equipment such as baseball bats, bicycle frames, and golf clubs. Its lightweight and durable properties improve performance and durability during use.
Finally, scandium is also applied in the energy sector, especially in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Scandium is added to zirconia electrolytes in SOFCs to improve ionic conductivity and mechanical stability, enhancing fuel cell efficiency and durability, contributing to clean energy production.
4. How Scandium Affects Workers
Workers in environments using scandium, especially in processes such as machining, welding, melting, or grinding materials containing scandium, may be exposed to dust, fumes, or gases. While pure scandium is considered low in toxicity under normal use, its fine dust or compounds can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts. Inhalation or direct contact with these forms may cause symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, dermatitis, or conjunctivitis.
Scandium compounds, such as scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃), can cause more severe irritation to the respiratory system and skin. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations may lead to inflammation or cellular tissue damage. Therefore, compliance with occupational safety measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and effective ventilation systems, is crucial to minimize risks to workers.
Although there is currently insufficient data to determine the long-term toxicity of scandium to workers, studies on other rare earth elements suggest that prolonged exposure can lead to accumulation in the body and health effects. Regular health monitoring and preventive measures are therefore essential to protect workers from potential impacts of scandium.
5. Safe Exposure Levels of Scandium for Humans
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure levels for scandium in Vietnamese legislation. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels should refer to international standards and industry best practices. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to scandium is important. Organizations such as the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the adverse effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to Minimize Scandium’s Impact on Workers’ Health
To minimize the impact of scandium on workers’ health, applying technical preventive measures and personal protection is essential.
First, effective ventilation systems should be established in work areas, including dust and fume extraction equipment to reduce the concentration of harmful dust and gases in the air. This helps maintain pollutant levels at low concentrations, minimizing inhalation or direct contact with scandium.
Additionally, using personal protective equipment such as dust masks, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing is necessary. These items prevent direct contact with scandium, protecting workers’ skin, eyes, and respiratory systems.
Strict occupational hygiene practices should also be implemented. Workers should wash their hands thoroughly after work, avoid eating or smoking in the work area, and not use compressed air to clean dust from clothing or skin to prevent airborne dispersion.
Finally, training and raising workers’ awareness about the risks of scandium and preventive measures is crucial. By understanding and following safety regulations, workers can protect themselves and contribute to a safe working environment.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure proper understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring should be conducted in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors affecting workers, then adjusting to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.
7. Nationwide 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, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment 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 value our brand reputation and the quality of our service products.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field and enjoy the best cost benefits.
8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Price List
To help businesses conduct workplace environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a price list for workplace environmental monitoring services with high quality and reasonable costs.
- Our monitoring price list provides detailed information about the costs of the monitoring services we offer, including expenses related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can be confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring results we provide.
- We commit to offering competitive and reasonable prices on the market and are always ready to promptly and professionally answer any service-related questions.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, customers can easily choose service packages that fit their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
