Working environment factors
How does acetone affect workers’ health?
Jul
In an increasingly industrialized world, advancements in technology and production have brought significant benefits to society. However, behind these achievements, we cannot overlook the potential risks faced by workers. One of the chemicals commonly present in industrial work environments is acetone, a highly versatile and widely used liquid. But do we truly understand the potential impact of acetone on the health of workers, those who tirelessly contribute to the development of society?
On this journey of exploration, we will dive deep into acetone and uncover the unexpected effects it may have on human health, especially for workers directly exposed to this substance.
1. What is Acetone?
Acetone, also known as Dimethyl Formadehyde, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. It is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a characteristic odor and evaporates quickly.
Acetone is water-soluble and is primarily used as a cleaning solvent in laboratories and as a raw material for synthesizing organic compounds.
It can be synthesized in laboratories but also occurs naturally in air, drinking water, and soil.
In the human body, acetone is produced and excreted through metabolism and is normally present in blood and urine. It is generated from various organs and metabolic processes of food and excreted through urine. If acetone is not eliminated for some reason, it can cause dizziness due to increased acid levels in the blood.
2. What are the uses of Acetone?
In industry, acetone is one of the most common industrial solvents, widely used in the production of plastics, resins, paints, and more. It is also used as a solvent in pharmaceuticals and as an excipient in some medications. Additionally, acetone is used as a solvent for synthetic rubber, acrylic, nitrocellulose, and many other industrial applications.
- Effective solvent for plastics and some synthetic fibers, used to dilute polyester resins, and in cleaning agents and tools.
- Used to mix two-component epoxy adhesives before curing and as a volatile component in certain paints and varnishes.
- As a heavy-duty degreaser, acetone is useful for cleaning metals before painting.
- Used as a solvent for transporting and storing acetylene.
- Used as an intermediate chemical: for synthesizing Methyl Methacrylate and Bisphenol A.
In laboratories, acetone is used as a highly aprotic solvent in many organic reactions and for cleaning glassware.
In pharmaceuticals and beauty technology:
- Acetone is commonly used in various industries, nail care, food additives, and food packaging/preservation.
- Main ingredient in nail polish removers, superglue removers, and cleaners for ceramics and glassware.
- Used in printing technology.
- Used as a solvent in pharmaceuticals, as an excipient in some drugs, and in the production of denatured alcohol.
3. Industries with acetone exposure posing risks to workers
Some industries involve acetone exposure that can be hazardous to workers. Examples include:
- Chemical manufacturing: factories producing cleaners, solvents, and organic compounds.
- Paint industry: acetone is used as a solvent in paints and inks. Workers may be exposed during mixing, application, and surface cleaning.
- Plastic manufacturing and processing: workers may be exposed during mixing, cleaning, and handling plastic materials.
- Cosmetics industry: acetone is commonly used in products such as skin creams, perfumes, and nail polish.
4. How Acetone affects workers’ comfort
Acetone is a strong solvent widely used in industry, especially in manufacturing, cleaning, and polishing. Prolonged exposure can affect workers’ comfort and health. Some potential impacts include:
- Skin irritation, dryness, itching, and swelling. Direct contact with acetone or acetone-containing solutions can damage the skin and cause discomfort.
- Acetone is highly hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the skin and surrounding tissues, causing dryness and tight, uncomfortable skin.
- Inhaling acetone in poorly ventilated workplaces may cause respiratory discomfort and irritation.
- Direct contact may irritate eyes, causing tearing and discomfort, reducing overall comfort.
- Effects on the nervous system: dizziness, fatigue, headaches. Long-term exposure without protection can increase risks of nervous system-related health issues.
5. Permissible exposure limits of Acetone in the workplace
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT National Technical Regulation for maximum allowable exposure limits for 50 chemical factors at work:
Table 1. Maximum permissible exposure limits for chemical factors at work.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | Chemical Name (English) | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | TWA | STEL | IARC Toxicity Group |
| 1 | Aceton | Acetone | (CH3)2CO | 58.08 | 67-64-1 | 200 | 1000 | – |
6. Diseases caused by long-term harmful exposure to Acetone
Long-term acetone exposure can cause various health issues. Some common conditions include:
- Skin problems: dryness, irritation, dermatitis, redness, swelling, itching, and pain.
- Respiratory issues: inhaling acetone in poorly ventilated workplaces may irritate the respiratory tract, causing sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.
- Eye irritation: redness, swelling, pain, tearing, and in severe cases, corneal damage and vision problems.
- Nervous system effects: dizziness, fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression, often due to high concentration or unsafe working conditions.
- Systemic toxicity: in very high exposure or unsafe conditions, acetone may affect liver, kidney, digestive system, and immune system.
Note: Most health effects occur with continuous exposure in unsafe work environments. Personal protective equipment and safety compliance reduce acetone’s risks.
7. Measures to reduce Acetone’s impact on workers’ health
- Ensure workers are equipped with proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, masks, and protective clothing, to prevent direct contact and inhalation.
- Maintain proper ventilation to reduce acetone levels in the workplace, using exhaust fans or proper ventilation systems.
- Provide training on safe handling, storage, and exposure to acetone, emphasizing risks and precautions.
- Adhere to safety regulations and manufacturer instructions.
- Conduct regular health checks to monitor acetone’s impact and detect early health issues.
- Worker training: Train workers on health protection measures to safeguard themselves in hazardous work environments.
- Periodically conduct workplace environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors, reducing risks and preventing occupational diseases.
8. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of environmental specialists, the center uses modern measuring devices to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction and offers optimal solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet Monitoring Center is a reputable unit in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with objectives:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing the best and most suitable services for clients.
- Supporting businesses with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers committed to environmental protection.
- Clients working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring will receive professional services from experts and enjoy the best cost offers.
9. Workplace environmental monitoring pricing
To help businesses implement professional and effective environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides a detailed price list for workplace environmental monitoring services with reasonable costs.
- The price list provides detailed costs for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports.
- Nam Viet ensures competitive and reasonable pricing and provides fast, professional consultation on services.
- Clients can easily choose suitable service packages according to their needs and are guaranteed high satisfaction with professional service quality.
