Working environment factors
How does tetrabromoethane affect workers’ health?
Apr
Tetrabromoethane (C2H2Br4) is a chemical commonly used in industry, but few people are aware of its potential risks to workers’ health. This article clarifies its effects and provides safety measures for industrial environments.
1. What is Tetrabromoethane?
Tetrabromoethane (C₂H₂Br₄) is a halogenated organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₂Br₄, where “C” represents carbon, “H” is hydrogen, and “Br” is bromine. It belongs to the ethane group, a type of hydrocarbon, but with four bromine atoms replacing hydrogen atoms in the molecular structure.
The formula C₂H₂Br₄ indicates that each molecule of tetrabromoethane consists of two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms, and four bromine atoms. These bromine atoms are directly bonded to the carbon atoms, forming a stable structure with high chemical stability. Tetrabromoethane is a colorless or pale yellow liquid, soluble in organic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and ethanol, but poorly soluble in water.
Tetrabromoethane is applied in various industrial fields, including chemical manufacturing, pesticide production, and scientific research on halogenated compounds. However, despite its multiple uses, tetrabromoethane can be hazardous to health if not handled and used properly.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Tetrabrom etan | Tetrabromo ethane | 29033919 | 79-27-6 | C2H2Br4 |
See also Chemical Safety Training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Sources of Tetrabromoethane in Production
During production, tetrabromoethane can be generated from chemical reactions between organic compounds containing double bonds and bromine. A typical example is the reaction between acetylene (C₂H₂) and bromine (Br₂), in which acetylene reacts with bromine to form tetrabromoethane (C₂H₂Br₄).
This reaction may occur in industrial environments when bromine is used in chemical manufacturing or processing. Excess bromine in the production environment can react with organic compounds, resulting in the formation of tetrabromoethane.
3. Industries Using Tetrabromoethane
Tetrabromoethane is mainly used in the mining, oil & gas, and chemical industries. In mining, it acts as a flotation agent to separate low-density minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite from high-density minerals like sphalerite, galena, and pyrite. This improves efficiency in separating and recovering valuable minerals.
In the oil & gas industry, tetrabromoethane is used to adjust the density of drilling fluids, helping control pressure during drilling and preventing blowouts. Its high density improves pressure control and stability during drilling, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Additionally, tetrabromoethane is used as an intermediate in chemical production, including pesticides, antimicrobial agents, and pharmaceuticals. It is also applied in plastics and construction materials as a flame retardant to increase fire resistance.
However, the use of tetrabromoethane must be strictly controlled to ensure worker safety and environmental protection due to its toxicity and potential pollution.
4. Effects of Tetrabromoethane on Workers
Exposure to tetrabromoethane can lead to serious health issues. It can enter the body via inhalation, skin contact, or eye exposure, causing acute symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and even fainting.
Prolonged or high-level exposure may damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Tetrabromoethane can also irritate the skin, leading to dryness, cracking, or dermatitis. Extended exposure increases the risk of developing skin diseases. Inhalation of its vapors may cause acute poisoning, affecting the nervous system and internal organs.
5. Safe Exposure Limits for Tetrabromoethane
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure limits for Tetrabromoethane in Vietnamese legal documents.
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and minimizing exposure to Tetrabromoethane is important. Organizations such as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to Minimize Tetrabromoethane’s Impact on Worker Health
To reduce the impact of tetrabromoethane, following safety measures is crucial. Ensure adequate ventilation in the workplace to limit tetrabromoethane vapor concentration. Mechanical or natural ventilation systems help maintain fresh air and reduce inhalation risks.
Workers should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including organic vapor respirators, protective gloves, and safety goggles. In areas with high concentrations, air-supplied respirators may be necessary.
Training workers on hazard recognition, proper use of PPE, and emergency response is essential. Workers should be instructed on first aid for tetrabromoethane exposure and procedures for chemical spills to enhance awareness and response capability.
Regular monitoring of tetrabromoethane concentrations in the air using specialized devices is needed to implement timely safety measures.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers need regular education on hazards and safety measures when working with this chemical to ensure proper compliance.
Regular workplace environment monitoring should be conducted to collect and analyze harmful factors, allowing adjustments to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING
In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the leading units in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to:
- Maintain brand reputation and high-quality service standards.
- Provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Work with experienced MSc and engineer specialists to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing Nam Viet Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts and the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Price List
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and efficiently, Nam Viet provides a detailed service price list at reasonable costs.
- Our price list provides detailed information about the monitoring services, including costs for transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- We are committed to offering competitive and reasonable prices, while providing prompt and professional consultation.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, clients can easily choose suitable service packages. We ensure maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
