Working environment factors
How does tetraethyl tin affect workers’ health?
Apr
Tetraethyltin (C8H20Sn) is a hazardous chemical potentially present in industrial production environments. This article analyzes its effects on workers’ health, warns of associated risks, and provides safety solutions for working in factories using this compound.
1. What is Tetraethyltin?
Tetraethyltin, also known as tetraethylstannane, is an organic tin compound with the chemical formula C₈H₂₀Sn. Its structure consists of a central tin atom bonded to four ethyl groups (C₂H₅), forming a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid. Tetraethyltin is practically insoluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents such as diethyl ether.
This compound belongs to the organotin group – organic compounds containing tin – and is used in various industrial applications, especially in electronics and thin-film material production via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Tetraethyltin has a boiling point of approximately 181°C and a very low freezing point around −112°C, reflecting its characteristic physical properties.
However, it is important to note that tetraethyltin can metabolize into triethyltin – a more toxic substance – when entering living organisms. Triethyltin is known to be neurotoxic and can cause serious health issues.
Therefore, understanding tetraethyltin is not only important in chemistry but also essential to ensure worker safety in industrial environments using this compound.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Tetra etyl thiếc | Tetraethyltin | 29319080 | 597-64-8 | C8H20Sn |
See more services chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Sources of Tetraethyltin in Production Processes
In industrial production, this organic tin compound is typically synthesized through chemical reactions between tin and ethyl compounds. A common method involves reacting tin tetrachloride (SnCl₄) with ethylmagnesium bromide (CH₃CH₂MgBr), producing the desired product along with magnesium bromide chloride (MgBrCl) as a byproduct.
Other methods include reactions between tin-sodium alloys and ethyl iodide, or between tin tetrachloride and triethylaluminum. These reactions are usually carried out in organic solvents such as ether, under strict control of temperature and humidity to ensure product yield and purity.
In factory environments, this compound may be released during chemical synthesis, raw material processing, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for semiconductor thin-film production. Its handling requires closed systems and strict safety measures to prevent leaks and unwanted worker exposure.
3. Industries Using Tetraethyltin in Production
This organotin compound is applied in many industrial production fields. In electronics, it is used in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to form semiconductor thin films for microchips and electronic components. It is also used as a catalyst in olefin polymerization and the production of other organotin compounds.
In the chemical industry, it plays a crucial role in organic synthesis, especially in producing other organotin compounds. It is also used as a preservative for wood, textiles, paper, and leather due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Additionally, it finds applications in pharmaceuticals and scientific research, serving as a precursor for complex organic compounds. However, using this compound requires strict adherence to occupational safety and environmental regulations due to its toxicity.
4. How Tetraethyltin Affects Workers
Workers exposed to this organotin compound in industrial settings may face serious health effects. Inhalation of its vapors or gases can cause acute symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Severe cases may involve heart rhythm disorders, hypotension, and autonomic nervous system complications, indicating high toxicity to the circulatory and nervous systems.
Skin or eye contact can cause strong irritation, leading to dermatitis, chemical burns, or serious eye damage. Ingestion, even in small amounts, can be fatal due to the compound’s high toxicity.
Another hazard is its metabolism into triethyltin in the body. Triethyltin is highly toxic, particularly to the central nervous system, potentially causing brain and spinal cord damage, resulting in severe and long-lasting neurological symptoms.
5. Safe Exposure Levels of Tetraethyltin for Humans
Currently, no specific safe exposure levels for tetraethyltin are provided in Vietnamese legal documents.
According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for organotin compounds, including tetraethyltin, is 0.1 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). This limit is also recommended by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
ACGIH also sets a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 0.2 mg/m³ over 15 minutes, not to be exceeded at any point during a work shift.
Note that, due to tetraethyltin’s potential dermal absorption, these regulations also include warnings for skin exposure.
NOTE: INFORMATION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and minimizing exposure to tetraethyltin is crucial. Organizations like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the adverse effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to Reduce the Impact of Tetraethyltin on Workers’ Health
To minimize tetraethyltin exposure risks, a combination of technical, administrative, and personal measures should be implemented to control exposure and ensure workplace safety.
First, designing local ventilation systems and enclosing production processes are key measures to prevent toxic vapors from spreading. If such technical measures are not feasible, workers should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, including vapor respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing.
Regular occupational safety training is mandatory to help workers understand risks and emergency procedures related to hazardous chemicals. Employers are responsible for organizing training, assessments, and certification to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills for safe operations.
Periodic health check-ups are necessary to detect early signs of chemical exposure, allowing timely intervention. Employers should also promote proper nutrition and rest for workers to enhance resilience and minimize negative impacts from the working environment.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure proper understanding and compliance.
Regular workplace environment monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors, helps adjust and reduce risks to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment 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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
Besides providing monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, managing, and following up on workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meeting all needs, and committing to the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to:
- Maintain the reputation of its brand and the quality of its services.
- Provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Leverage a team of experienced Masters and Engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefits.
- With Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional service from experts in monitoring, along with the best cost benefits.
8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Service Pricing
To help businesses carry out professional and effective workplace monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a pricing table for workplace environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services offered, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports provided.
- We are committed to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, and are always ready to answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- 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.
