Working environment factors
How does trifluoromethane affect workers’ health?
Apr
Trifluoromethane (CHF₃) – a familiar chemical in industry – could it be silently threatening workers’ health? This article will break down the hazardous effects of CHF₃ and suggest effective safety measures in the production environment.
1. What is Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform)?
Trifluoromethane, also known as Fluoroform, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CHF₃. It is a type of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), belonging to the group of halogenated methane compounds, in which three hydrogen atoms of methane are replaced by three fluorine atoms. With a molecular structure consisting of one carbon atom bonded to one hydrogen atom and three fluorine atoms, CHF₃ has a tetrahedral shape and a molecular weight of approximately 70.01 g/mol.
Under standard conditions, Trifluoromethane is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas. It has a melting point of about −155.2°C and a boiling point of about −82.1°C. Although it has low solubility in water, CHF₃ dissolves readily in organic solvents. Due to its chemical stability and high thermal resistance, it is commonly used in industry.
Although it does not harm the ozone layer, Trifluoromethane is a potent greenhouse gas with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) up to 12,000 times greater than CO₂. Therefore, the use and handling of CHF₃ must be strictly controlled to minimize its impact on the environment and human health.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Triflo metan | Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) | 29033990 | 75-46-7 | CHF3 |
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2. Sources of Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) in production processes
In industrial production, Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform), also known as HFC-23, is often generated as an unavoidable byproduct during the synthesis of HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane). HCFC-22 is widely used in refrigeration systems, air conditioning, and fluoropolymer production.
Additionally, CHF₃ can also be produced through the reaction between chloroform (CHCl₃) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) under suitable catalytic conditions. This reaction is commonly used in fluorocarbon synthesis processes, especially in the production of Teflon and other fluoropolymer materials.
However, due to its stability and strong greenhouse effect, managing and controlling the amount of CHF₃ generated during production is a major challenge for chemical plants. Various methods have been researched to minimize the environmental impact of CHF₃, including destruction technologies or reusing this compound in other chemical processes.
3. Industries using Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) in production
Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) is used in many industries due to its stable chemical properties, non-flammability, and high thermal resistance. In the semiconductor industry, it plays a crucial role in plasma etching processes of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layers, helping create precise and efficient microcircuits.
In polymer manufacturing, Fluoroform is used as a foaming agent in the production of products such as insulation materials and packaging. Its non-flammable nature and high stability also make it a suitable choice in the electrical industry, where it is used as a dielectric gas in high-voltage equipment such as circuit breakers and transformers.
Chengdu Taiyu Industrial Gases Co., Ltd.
Furthermore, Fluoroform is applied in the aerospace industry as a coolant in spacecraft air conditioning systems and as a propellant in rocket engines. In organic chemistry, it is used as a precursor in the synthesis of trifluoromethyl-containing compounds, playing an important role in developing new drugs and materials.
4. How Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) affects workers
Workers exposed to Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) may face serious health impacts, especially when working in confined or poorly ventilated environments. This gas is colorless, odorless, and can accumulate in enclosed spaces, posing a risk of oxygen depletion, asphyxiation, and even death. Short-term exposure to high concentrations can cause cardiac arrhythmia, loss of consciousness, or death from suffocation.
Inhalation of CHF₃ vapors can also depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and disorientation. Contact with liquid CHF₃ can cause severe cold burns to the skin and eyes due to its extremely low temperature when liquefied.
Particularly, individuals with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are at higher risk when exposed to CHF₃, as it can aggravate pre-existing conditions. The use of epinephrine-containing drugs in emergencies should also be carefully considered, as they may increase CHF₃’s cardiac toxicity.
5. Safe exposure limits for Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform)
Currently, no specific information on safe exposure limits for Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) is found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe levels of exposure to Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) should refer to international standards and best practices in the industry.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, compliance with safety standards and minimizing exposure to Trifluoromethane is essential. 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 Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of Trifluoromethane (Fluoroform) on workers’ health, strict safety measures must be implemented throughout its use and handling.
First, controlling the concentration of Trifluoromethane in the air is critical. Although no specific occupational exposure limit exists yet, maintaining oxygen levels above 19.5% is necessary to avoid oxygen depletion, suffocation, or death. To achieve this, effective local exhaust ventilation should be used where the gas is released, and work areas should remain well-ventilated with sufficient oxygen.
Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling Trifluoromethane. Workers should wear safety goggles, insulated gloves, and protective clothing to prevent direct contact with the gas or liquid, especially when working with pressurized equipment containing Trifluoromethane. If gas concentrations exceed safe levels, appropriate respiratory protection or gas masks must be used.
For areas at risk of leaks or emissions of Trifluoromethane, preventive and emergency response measures should be in place. Specifically, early warning systems, air concentration monitoring devices, and emergency response plans must be implemented. Regular training for workers on the hazards and proper use of PPE is also essential to raise awareness and improve emergency response capabilities.
Finally, regular health monitoring of workers exposed to Trifluoromethane is necessary. If symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or shortness of breath occur, workers should be taken to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. Healthcare providers should also be informed about the effects of Trifluoromethane to handle emergency cases effectively.
Strict implementation of the above measures will help reduce risks and protect workers’ health when working with Trifluoromethane.
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 to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Regular occupational environment monitoring should be conducted in factories to collect and analyze harmful factors to workers, then adjust to reduce hazards and 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 in Vietnam. With an experienced team of 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 supports clients in planning, handling, and following up on occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are at the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all client needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following goals:
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8. Occupational environment monitoring service pricing
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers customers a pricing table for occupational environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our monitoring price list provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services we offer, including related expenses for travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
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