Working environment factors
How does tetrachloroethylene affect workers’ health?
Apr
Tetrachloro ethene (C2Cl4), also known as perchloroethylene, is a widely used industrial chemical that can pose serious health risks to workers with prolonged exposure. This article outlines the hazards of C2Cl4 and essential protective measures in the workplace.
1. What is Tetrachloro ethene?
Tetrachloro ethene is a chlorinated organic compound with the molecular formula C₂Cl₄. Structurally, it is derived from ethylene where all four hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms, forming the structure Cl₂C=CCl₂.
Physically, it is a colorless, non-flammable liquid with a slightly sweet, ether-like odor. Its molecular weight is 165.83 g/mol, and its CAS number is 127-18-4. It has high chemical stability and good solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene, but very low solubility in water (around 1,000 mg/L at 25 °C).
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Tetraclo etylen | Tetrachloro ethene | 29032300 | 127-18-4 | C2Cl4 |
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2. Sources of Tetrachloro ethene in industrial production
Tetrachloroethylene is mainly produced via direct chlorination of hydrocarbons such as propane, ethylene, or propylene under high temperatures, with or without catalysts. Carbon tetrachloride is often used as a solvent to limit by-products. Ethylene dichloride (EDC) chlorination at 500–700 °C is a common method.
Oxychlorination is another process, reacting chlorinated hydrocarbons with hydrogen chloride and oxygen in a catalytic reactor, yielding trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, which are separated by fractional distillation. Pyrolysis of carbon tetrachloride at ~800 °C can also produce pure tetrachloroethylene. Strict process control minimizes HCl emissions and harmful by-products.
3. Industries using Tetrachloro ethene
– **Dry cleaning:** Primary solvent for removing stains and finishing fabrics. – **Metal degreasing:** Removes grease and contaminants from metal surfaces before painting or welding. – **High-precision industries:** Semiconductor, aerospace, and biomedical sectors use it for cleaning components. – **Automotive and aerospace:** Cleaning engines, drive parts, and machinery components. – **Chemical production:** Used as an intermediate for fluorinated compounds and catalyst regeneration in refineries. – **Other applications:** Solvent for adhesives, coatings, lubricants, and surface cleaners.
4. Health effects of Tetrachloro ethene on workers
Short-term exposure can cause eye irritation, skin burning, dizziness, nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and reduced coordination due to CNS depression. Skin contact may result in dryness, redness, and dermatitis.
Long-term exposure increases risks of liver damage, kidney impairment, and chronic neurological effects, including memory loss and concentration problems. Tetrachloroethylene is classified by IARC as Group 2A – probably carcinogenic to humans – with epidemiological evidence of liver, kidney, and bladder cancers in exposed workers.
5. Safe exposure limits for Tetrachloro ethene
– **OSHA:** TWA 100 ppm (8h), ceiling 200 ppm for ≤5 min in any 3h period, peak 300 ppm. – **NIOSH:** Potential occupational carcinogen; recommends lowest possible exposure, REL 100 ppm TWA, 200 ppm short-term. – **ACGIH TLV:** 25 ppm TWA, 100 ppm STEL (15 min). – **Cal/OSHA:** 25 ppm TWA (aligned with ACGIH). – **SCOEL (EU):** 20 ppm TWA, 40 ppm STEL; biological limit 0.4 mg/L blood. – **EPA ECEL:** 0.14 ppm TWA for long-term safety.
NOTE: Information is for reference only!
Basic compliance with industrial safety standards and minimizing exposure is essential. Organizations like OSHA provide guidance to protect workers from chemical hazards.
6. Measures to minimize Tetrachloro ethene hazards
– **Ventilation:** Ensure effective air circulation and exhaust systems. – **Personal protective equipment (PPE):** Respirators, gloves, protective clothing. – **Work procedures:** Follow safety protocols and limit exposure time. – **Environmental monitoring:** Regular workplace air sampling to ensure limits are not exceeded. – **Substitution:** Use less toxic solvents where possible. – **Training:** Educate workers on hazards, PPE usage, and emergency response.
Occupational safety training and periodic workplace monitoring help prevent occupational diseases (occupational illnesses).
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8. Workplace monitoring service pricing
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