Working environment factors
How does trichlorobenzene affect workers’ health?
Apr
Trichlorobenzene (C6H3Cl3) is a common industrial chemical, but few people are aware of its impact on the health of workers in manufacturing environments. This article explores the effects of Trichlorobenzene on health, aiming to raise awareness and protect workers.
1. What is Trichlorobenzene?
The compound with the chemical formula C₆H₃Cl₃ is Trichlorobenzene, an isomer of benzene in which three hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring are replaced by three chlorine atoms. The molecular structure of Trichlorobenzene can exist in three main isomers: ortho (1,2,3), meta (1,3,5), and para (1,2,4), depending on the positions of the chlorine atoms on the benzene ring. Among them, the meta isomer is the most common in industrial applications.
Trichlorobenzene is widely used in industries. However, due to its toxicity, the use and handling of Trichlorobenzene must strictly comply with occupational safety and environmental regulations.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Triclo benzen | Trichlorobenzene | 29039900 | 108-70-3; 120-82-1; 87-61-6 | C6H3Cl3 |
See also Chemical safety training under Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING UNDER DECREE 113
2. Sources of Trichlorobenzene in production processes
In industrial production, Trichlorobenzene mainly arises from benzene chlorination reactions. This process usually occurs when benzene (C₆H₆) reacts with chlorine gas (Cl₂) under suitable temperature and pressure conditions, often with the participation of metal catalysts such as iron or aluminum. This reaction replaces three hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring with three chlorine atoms, forming Trichlorobenzene with the chemical formula C₆H₃Cl₃.
Additionally, Trichlorobenzene can appear as a by-product in the manufacture of other chemicals. For example, during the synthesis of dyes, detergents, or other organic compounds, Trichlorobenzene may form if chlorine is present in the reaction environment. This is especially likely when reactions are not tightly controlled or when raw materials contain chlorine impurities.
The generation of Trichlorobenzene in production not only depends on the chemical reaction but also on the process design and plant operating conditions. If factors such as temperature, pressure, and reactant quantities are not properly controlled, the likelihood of forming Trichlorobenzene increases, leading to its presence in the work environment.
3. Industries using Trichlorobenzene in production
Trichlorobenzene is used in various industries due to its good solubility and stability. One of the largest users is the dye manufacturing industry, where it is an important raw material in producing dyes for fabrics, plastics, and leather. In this process, Trichlorobenzene acts as a solvent or intermediate for producing dye compounds.
The detergent manufacturing industry also uses Trichlorobenzene to formulate industrial cleaning products, particularly powerful cleaners for the oil, gas, and metal processing industries. Trichlorobenzene can help remove oil, grease, dirt, and other contaminants from production lines.
Another industry using Trichlorobenzene is pesticide manufacturing, where it is included in certain pesticide and agrochemical formulations. Trichlorobenzene can stabilize active ingredients and enhance product effectiveness.
In addition, Trichlorobenzene is also used in producing plastics, paints, and additives for industrial products, acting as a solvent to dissolve other materials and maintain product stability.
4. How Trichlorobenzene affects workers
When workers are exposed to Trichlorobenzene in the workplace, it can have multiple harmful health effects. It can enter the body through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of contaminated food and water.
Inhaling Trichlorobenzene vapors can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. These symptoms usually occur when airborne concentrations exceed permissible limits. Direct skin contact can cause irritation, itching, or rashes. Long-term or high-level exposure can lead to more serious issues such as dermatitis or liver and kidney diseases, as the compound can accumulate in the body.
Trichlorobenzene may also affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, or even memory loss with prolonged exposure. Working in environments with high Trichlorobenzene concentrations without protective measures increases the risk of chronic illness and severe health problems over time.
5. Safe exposure levels for Trichlorobenzene
Currently, no specific legal documents in Vietnam state safe exposure limits for Trichlorobenzene. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels should refer to international standards and best industry practices. 
At a basic level, working in industrial environments requires compliance with safety standards and limiting Trichlorobenzene exposure. Organizations such as 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 Trichlorobenzene on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Trichlorobenzene on workers’ health, a combination of technical, organizational, and medical measures must be implemented. This is mandatory for facilities using this chemical to protect workers and comply with occupational safety laws.
One key measure is installing effective ventilation systems. Local and general ventilation systems reduce airborne concentrations and prevent accumulation of the chemical in the workplace. Designing and maintaining well-ventilated and clean workshops also help reduce risks.
Providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Workers should be equipped with and use appropriate protective gear such as masks, gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing. Training and raising safety awareness is also critical, with regular training on PPE use, hazard recognition, and emergency response.
Regular workplace and health monitoring is important to detect early signs of poisoning. Measuring airborne Trichlorobenzene levels and conducting periodic health checks allows timely intervention.
Replacing Trichlorobenzene with less hazardous chemicals, when possible, is also an effective solution, reducing both health risks and environmental impact.
Compliance with legal regulations on occupational safety and chemicals is mandatory. This includes registering chemical use, preparing safety dossiers, and submitting periodic safety reports, ensuring safe, stable, and sustainable operations.
Occupational safety training: Workers must be trained and educated about risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure understanding and compliance.
Periodically conduct workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors, thereby adjusting conditions to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality nationwide in Vietnam. With a team of experienced environmental monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center focuses on client satisfaction, meeting all needs, and providing optimal solutions for businesses.
Through investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, 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 brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide the best and most suitable solutions for our clients.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional service from experts and enjoy the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace environmental monitoring quotation
To help businesses perform workplace environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers detailed service quotations with high quality and reasonable costs.
- Our quotation provides detailed pricing for the monitoring services we offer, including costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can rest assured about the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market and are always ready to provide quick, professional consultation for any service inquiries.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, clients can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We guarantee maximum satisfaction with our professional service quality.
