Working environment factors
How does tetrasodium pyrophosphate affect workers’ health?
Apr
Tetrasodium diphosphate (Na₄O₇P₂) is a common chemical in industrial production, but few people are aware of its impact on workers’ health. This article reveals potential hazards and how to ensure safety for those working in such environments.
1. What is Tetrasodium diphosphate?
Tetrasodium diphosphate, also known as Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₄P₂O₇. It usually appears as white crystalline or powdered form, odorless, easily soluble in water, and produces an alkaline solution with a pH of around 9–10.
TSPP is produced through the reaction between phosphoric acid and sodium carbonate, followed by heating the product at high temperatures to obtain tetrasodium diphosphate. Due to its ability to chelate metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, TSPP is widely used in various industries such as food, cosmetics, detergents, and water treatment.
In the food industry, TSPP is often used as a stabilizer, water retention agent, pH regulator, and emulsifier. It helps improve texture and durability of products, especially in processed meat products.
However, the use of TSPP must comply with safety regulations and permissible dosage, as at high concentrations, it may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Tetranatri pyrophosphate | Tetrasodium diphosphate | 28353910 | 7722-88-5 | Na4O7P2 |
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2. Sources of Tetrasodium diphosphate in production processes
In industrial production, tetrasodium diphosphate (Na₄P₂O₇) is typically synthesized through a reaction between phosphoric acid and sodium carbonate to produce disodium phosphate, which is then heated at around 450°C to convert it into tetrasodium diphosphate. This process may release chemical emissions into the environment, particularly during heat treatment and chemical reaction stages.
Additionally, the use of tetrasodium diphosphate in products such as detergents, stabilizers, or pH regulators can also result in its release into the environment through industrial activities such as mixing, manufacturing, and metal surface treatment. These activities can cause direct or indirect exposure of workers to the chemical, especially if appropriate control and protection measures are not in place.
Furthermore, in the production process, the use of substandard equipment and procedures may lead to leakage or dispersion of tetrasodium diphosphate into the air or industrial wastewater. This not only affects the environment but may also pose health risks to workers if exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations.
3. Industries using Tetrasodium diphosphate in production
Tetrasodium diphosphate (Na₄P₂O₇) is widely applied in many industries due to its special chemical properties, such as its ability to chelate metal ions, adjust pH, and stabilize product structures. In the food industry, this compound is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and pH regulator in products such as sausages, Vietnamese pork rolls, canned seafood, ice cream, and dairy products. It helps improve texture, retain water, and extend the shelf life of food.
In personal care, tetrasodium diphosphate is used in toothpaste and mouthwash as a tartar control agent, helping remove calcium and magnesium from saliva to prevent plaque formation. It is also used in hair and skin care products such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotions.
In the detergent industry, tetrasodium diphosphate acts as a water softener, enhancing cleaning efficiency by preventing precipitation of metal ions such as calcium and magnesium. It is also used in industrial and household detergent manufacturing.
In water treatment, this compound is used to control corrosion and scale formation in both industrial and domestic water systems. It helps maintain equipment performance and prolong system lifespan.
Additionally, tetrasodium diphosphate is applied in the oil and gas industry as a dispersant in drilling fluids, helping control viscosity and stabilize the drilling system. In the paint and coating industry, it is used as a dispersant to improve durability and product quality.
The diverse applications of tetrasodium diphosphate highlight its importance in many different industrial production sectors.
4. How Tetrasodium diphosphate affects workers
Workers exposed to tetrasodium diphosphate (Na₄P₂O₇) in production environments may face various health effects, particularly through inhalation of dust, direct skin or eye contact, and accidental ingestion.
Inhaling tetrasodium diphosphate dust may cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and sore throat. Skin contact may cause contact dermatitis, especially if the skin is scratched or damaged. Eye contact can result in severe irritation and even eye injury if not treated promptly.
Swallowing tetrasodium diphosphate may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although there is no clear evidence of long-term effects such as cancer or reproductive harm, prolonged or high-level exposure may cause serious health problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Tetrasodium diphosphate for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure concentrations for tetrasodium diphosphate in Vietnamese legal documents.
However, according to recommendations from the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the maximum allowable exposure concentration to tetrasodium diphosphate in the workplace is 5 mg/m³, averaged over a 10-hour workday. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not set a specific exposure limit for this compound.
In Canada, some provinces such as Ontario and Québec apply similar exposure limits, with a TWA (8-hour time-weighted average) value of 5 mg/m³. European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland also apply similar limits, typically 5 mg/m³ for an 8-hour work shift.
NOTE: INFORMATION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to tetrasodium diphosphate. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of Tetrasodium diphosphate on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of tetrasodium diphosphate (Na₄P₂O₇) on workers’ health, technical control measures and appropriate personal protective equipment should be implemented.
In the workplace, it is important to limit dust formation. An effective ventilation system should be designed, and work areas should be regularly cleaned to prevent chemical dust accumulation. The use of air filtration devices also helps reduce dust concentration in the air, thereby lowering the risk of inhaling tetrasodium diphosphate.
In addition, workers should be equipped with adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to prevent direct contact with the chemical. Employee training on safety procedures and how to handle exposure to tetrasodium diphosphate is also an important part of protecting workers’ health.
Finally, regulations and guidelines on chemical safety issued by competent authorities must be followed to ensure a safe working environment and reduce health risks for workers.
Occupational safety training: Workers should be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. Such training should be provided regularly and consistently to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic occupational environment monitoring should be conducted in factories and enterprises to collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting and reducing hazards to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit in monitoring and measuring occupational environment quality throughout all provinces and cities in Vietnam. With an experienced team of occupational environment monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and monitoring occupational environment issues. With the motto “customer first,” the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to delivering the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
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- With a team of experienced and professional Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- When working with Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the field, along with the best cost benefits.
8. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a detailed price list for occupational environment monitoring services at reasonable costs.
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