Working environment factors
How does tetrahydrofurfurylamine affect workers’ health?
Apr
Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- (C5H11ON) is a chemical present in many industries, yet its impact on workers’ health is not widely known. This article explores the potential risks associated with exposure to this chemical in manufacturing environments.
1. What is Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro-?
Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- (C₅H₁₁ON) is an organic compound belonging to the heterocyclic amine group, also known as tetrahydrofurfurylamine. It is formed by the combination of a furfuryl group (C₄H₃O) and an amino group (NH₂) attached at the 2-position of a furan ring, with a methyl group (CH₂) linked to the amino group. Its molecular formula is C₅H₁₁ON, consisting of a saturated furan ring (tetrahydrofuran) and an amino group.
Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- is primarily produced from furfural, an organic compound derived from by-products of agricultural processing such as rice husks, bran, and corn cobs. The synthesis process typically involves the hydrogenation of furfural in the presence of ammonia, producing tetrahydrofurfurylamine.
This compound has wide industrial applications. However, due to its specific chemical properties, handling and using furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- must comply with strict occupational safety and health regulations.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Tetrahydro furfuryl amin | Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- | 29321900 | 4795-29-3 | C5H11ON |
See more services chemical safety training under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING UNDER DECREE 113
2. Sources of Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- in production
During production, this compound mainly arises from the reductive amination of furfural (C₅H₄O₂) in an ammonia (NH₃) environment. Furfural, an organic compound derived from agricultural by-products such as rice husks, bran, and corn cobs, is used as the main raw material. The process usually occurs under high temperature and pressure, with catalysts such as Raney nickel, to promote reductive amination and produce the compound.
Additionally, this compound can also be synthesized from furfuryl alcohol (C₆H₆O₂), a hydrogenated derivative of furfural. In this process, furfuryl alcohol reacts with ammonia at high temperatures, with or without hydrogen presence, to produce the compound. Reaction conditions and the type of catalyst affect the yield.
3. Industries using Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- in production
This compound is widely used across many industries due to its unique chemical properties. In the pharmaceutical sector, it serves as an intermediate for synthesizing diuretics, antihypertensives, and antibacterial drugs. Specifically, it is a key component in the synthesis of furosemide, a commonly used diuretic. Additionally, it is used to produce agrochemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, owing to its ability to generate pyrrolidone derivatives with high biological activity.
In the chemical industry, it acts as a catalyst or intermediate in the production of synthetic resins and other organic compounds. For example, it is used to manufacture polyamide monomers, a type of plastic applied in synthetic fibers and engineering materials.
Moreover, it is employed in the production of engine cleaners due to its ability to dissolve grease and other impurities, enhancing cleaning efficiency and prolonging engine life.
Thanks to these diverse applications, this compound plays an important role in various industries, contributing to economic development and improving quality of life.
4. Effects of Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- on workers
Exposure to this compound in production environments can seriously affect workers’ health. Inhalation or direct contact with skin and eyes can cause severe irritation, burning, redness, nasal and throat inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Severe exposure may lead to tissue damage and pneumonia.
Additionally, the compound is flammable and can produce flammable vapors, posing a high fire and explosion risk. When burning, it releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and other organic compounds, which can cause suffocation and central nervous system damage.
To protect workers’ health, strict compliance with occupational safety regulations is required, including the use of personal protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and employee training on precautionary measures when handling this chemical.
5. Safe exposure limits of Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- for humans
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure levels for Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- in Vietnamese legal documents. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, adhering to safety standards and minimizing exposure to Tetrahydro furfuryl amine is crucial. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of Furfuryl amine, tetrahydro- on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of this compound on workers, strict occupational safety measures should be applied. Although no official Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) exists for this compound, experts recommend the following precautions:
Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to limit airborne chemical concentrations. Use local exhaust systems, enclosed chambers, or other engineering controls to keep pollutant levels below permissible limits. Explosion-proof ventilation should be employed when handling this compound.
Provide full personal protective equipment for workers, including solvent-resistant gloves, safety goggles, respirators, or organic vapor masks. Ensure protective equipment is inspected regularly and replaced as needed to maintain effectiveness.
Train workers on the hazards associated with this compound and necessary precautions. Ensure they understand safety procedures and know how to respond in emergencies. Provide first aid guidance in case of exposure or accidents.
Conduct periodic air monitoring for this compound to ensure exposure levels do not exceed safety limits. If levels are above permissible limits, adjust production processes or enhance control measures.
Comply with environmental and occupational safety regulations when handling, storing, and transporting this compound. Ensure related waste is properly managed to prevent environmental pollution and protect public health.
Implementing these measures together helps minimize risks to workers handling this compound.
Occupational safety training: Workers should receive training and education on risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring should be conducted in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors for workers, adjusting processes to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in supervising 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 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, managing, and following up on workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
- We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Together with our team of experienced Masters and Engineers committed to environmental protection and benefiting businesses.
- By choosing Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost incentives.
8. Workplace environmental monitoring pricing
To help businesses conduct workplace environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides clients with a pricing table for workplace environmental monitoring services that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information about the costs of the monitoring services we offer, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can rely on the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
- We are committed to offering competitive and reasonable prices, and are always ready to consult and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily select service packages that suit their needs. We commit to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
