Working environment factors
How does strontium carbonate affect workers’ health?
Apr
Strontium carbonate (SrCO3) is a common chemical used in manufacturing plants, yet few people realize that it can seriously affect workers’ health. This article clarifies the negative impacts of SrCO3 on health and necessary preventive measures.
1. What is Strontium carbonate?
Strontium carbonate (SrCO₃) is a chemical compound belonging to the carbonate salts of the alkaline earth metal strontium. Its molecular formula is SrCO₃, where Sr represents strontium, C is carbon, and O is oxygen. This compound usually appears as a fine white or gray powder, odorless and tasteless.
In nature, SrCO₃ occurs as the mineral strontianite, found in mineral deposits. It can also be synthetically produced through chemical reactions. For example, when a solution of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) reacts with a solution of strontium nitrate (Sr(NO₃)₂), SrCO₃ and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) are formed according to the equation:
Sr(NO₃)₂ + Na₂CO₃ → SrCO₃ + 2 NaNO₃
SrCO₃ has chemical properties similar to other carbonate salts, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It is insoluble in water but can dissolve in dilute acid or water saturated with carbon dioxide (CO₂), forming strontium bicarbonate (Sr(HCO₃)₂). This increases its solubility in CO₂-containing environments.
With these characteristics, SrCO₃ is widely used in many industries, including ceramics, glass manufacturing, and pyrotechnics to create the distinctive red color in fireworks. However, prolonged exposure to SrCO₃ in the workplace can affect workers’ health, which will be discussed in the following sections.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Stronti carbonat | Strontium carbonate | 28369200 | 1633-05-02 | SrCO3 |
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2. Sources of Strontium carbonate in production processes
In the production of strontium carbonate, the main sources come from two minerals: celestite (strontium sulfate, SrSO₄) and strontianite (strontium carbonate, SrCO₃). Celestite is the primary raw material used industrially to produce strontium carbonate.
The production process from celestite often begins by treating the mineral with soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na₂CO₃) at high temperatures and with steam. This reaction produces strontium carbonate and sodium sulfate, which can then be separated by centrifugation. This method is known as the “soda ash process” and usually yields lower purity products.
Another method is the “black ash process,” where celestite is mixed with coke and heated to high temperatures (~1,100°C) to convert strontium sulfate into strontium sulfide. The strontium sulfide is then dissolved in water and treated with carbon dioxide or soda ash to produce strontium carbonate. This method produces higher purity products and is preferred in industry.
There is also a “direct conversion” or “double-decomposition” method, in which celestite is treated directly with sodium carbonate and steam to produce strontium carbonate. However, this method often produces more impurities and requires more complex processing steps.
In summary, strontium carbonate mainly originates from the chemical processing of celestite, depending on the desired purity and final application of the product.
3. Industries using Strontium carbonate in production
Strontium carbonate is widely used across various industries. In ceramics, it plays an important role in glazes and coatings, improving durability, gloss, and scratch resistance. It is also used as a lead substitute in some applications, reducing toxicity risks for users.
In the glass industry, strontium carbonate is used for specialty glass, such as LCD screens, enhancing brightness and durability. It is also applied in optical glass and pharmaceutical glass due to its ability to improve hardness and scratch resistance.
In the permanent magnet industry, strontium carbonate is used to produce ferrite, a key material for manufacturing magnets for electronic devices, speakers, and other applications, enhancing magnetic properties and durability.
In pyrotechnics, strontium carbonate creates the characteristic red color in fireworks, enhancing brightness and color longevity for impressive displays.
It is also used in other industries such as paint, dyes, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceuticals, due to its ability to form other strontium compounds and its chemical reactivity.
4. Health effects of Strontium carbonate on workers
Prolonged exposure to strontium carbonate in the workplace can impact workers’ health. The compound usually exists as a fine white powder, easily airborne, forming dust that can enter the respiratory system if inhaled.
Inhaling SrCO₃ dust may cause respiratory irritation, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and rhinitis. Long-term or high-concentration exposure can lead to more serious issues, including chronic bronchitis or pulmonary edema. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma may be more susceptible.
Direct skin or eye contact can also cause irritation. Skin may become inflamed or develop rashes, while eyes may become red, itchy, or watery. Although there is no evidence that SrCO₃ causes severe long-term skin or eye effects, frequent contact should still be limited and addressed promptly.
Although strontium carbonate is not classified as carcinogenic or reproductive toxic, prolonged or high-level exposure may still pose adverse health effects. Therefore, compliance with occupational safety measures, personal protective equipment, and dust control is crucial for worker safety.
5. Safe exposure limits of Strontium carbonate for humans
Currently, there is no specific legal information on safe exposure levels of Strontium carbonate in Vietnam. Therefore, determining safe levels should refer to international standards and best industrial practices. 
At a basic level, working in industrial environments requires compliance with safety standards and limiting exposure to Strontium carbonate. Organizations like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and principles to protect workers from chemical hazards.
6. Measures to minimize Strontium carbonate exposure to workers’ health
To reduce the impact of strontium carbonate on workers’ health, risk control measures should follow the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, personal protection, and training.
Eliminating or replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives is the top priority. If substitution is not feasible, technical controls such as improving ventilation, using dust extraction systems, and proper shielding are required to reduce airborne dust concentrations.
Providing full personal protective equipment, including dust masks, safety goggles, and protective clothing, is necessary to prevent direct contact.
Additionally, training and raising awareness about safe chemical handling, hazard recognition, and emergency response are essential to ensure workplace safety.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers should be educated on hazards and safety measures when working with this chemical. Training should be conducted regularly to ensure understanding and compliance with safety regulations.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring in factories should be conducted to collect and analyze harmful factors, allowing adjustments to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
7. Nationwide Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
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