Working environment factors
How does Acrylonitrile affect workers’ health?
Dec
Acrylonitrile (C3H3N) is a common chemical in many industries, but exposure to it can cause serious health problems for workers. This article will help you understand the health effects of Acrylonitrile and how to ensure safety in the workplace.
1. What is Acrylonitrile?
Acrylonitrile, with the chemical formula C3H3N, is an organic compound containing a nitrile group (–C≡N). It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor similar to almonds. Acrylonitrile is primarily used in the manufacturing of acrylic fibers, ABS plastic, and other products, playing a crucial role in many production processes.
The molecular structure of Acrylonitrile consists of a vinyl group (-CH=CH2) attached to a nitrile group (-C≡N), creating a highly reactive compound. Due to this property, Acrylonitrile can participate in polymerization reactions, helping to create plastic and fiber materials with the necessary characteristics for industrial applications. However, due to its volatile and irritant properties, exposure to Acrylonitrile can be harmful to human health, especially for those working in environments where this chemical is used.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Acrylonitril | Acrylonitrile | 29261000 | 107-13-1 | C3H3N |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Acrylonitrile originate from in the production process?
During production, Acrylonitrile is primarily created through the reaction of propylene (a hydrocarbon compound) and ammonia, with the involvement of oxygen or air in a high-temperature environment. This process, known as ammoxidation, takes place in special reactors, producing Acrylonitrile and some other by-products. Another source of Acrylonitrile is the production of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), from which Acrylonitrile can be synthesized through reaction with ethylene or propylene.
Additionally, Acrylonitrile can also be released during the processing of products containing Acrylonitrile in industries such as the manufacturing of acrylic fibers, ABS plastic, and nitrile rubber. In these environments, chemical additives or processing steps can generate Acrylonitrile gas, posing a risk of dispersal into the air and increasing the potential for worker exposure.
3. Industries that use Acrylonitrile in production
Acrylonitrile is widely used in many industries due to its special chemical properties. One of the main industries that uses this chemical is the production of acrylic fibers. This is a common synthetic fiber in the textile industry, used to produce clothing, carpets, and other fabric products. Acrylonitrile helps create fibers with high strength, and resistance to light and abrasion.
The plastics industry is also a major consumer of Acrylonitrile. It is used to produce ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, an engineering plastic with good mechanical strength and impact resistance. ABS plastic is used in products such as computer casings, automotive components, home appliances, and electronic devices.
Furthermore, Acrylonitrile is used in the nitrile rubber industry, especially in the production of medical gloves, industrial safety gloves, and other rubber products. Nitrile rubber products are notable for their resistance to oil, chemicals, and their mechanical durability, making them highly favored in the medical and industrial fields.
In addition, Acrylonitrile is also present in the chemical industry, where it is used to produce other plastics and polymers, as well as in the synthesis of other organic compounds.
4. How does Acrylonitrile affect workers?
Exposure to Acrylonitrile can cause many negative health effects for workers, especially in production environments where this chemical is used. People working in factories that produce acrylic fibers, ABS plastic, nitrile rubber, or in the chemical industry are at risk of Acrylonitrile poisoning through inhalation, skin contact, or direct contact with products containing this chemical.
When inhaling Acrylonitrile vapor, workers may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to damage to the lungs, central nervous system, and may cause cardiovascular problems. Acrylonitrile is also known to be a human carcinogen, so long-term exposure to high concentrations of it can increase the risk of developing cancers such as lung and bladder cancer.
Besides, direct contact with the skin or eyes can also cause irritation, inflammation, and severe allergic reactions. Workers with sensitive or previously damaged skin may be more severely affected.
Furthermore, Acrylonitrile may also cause reproductive and developmental problems in some animal studies, although this effect still needs further research to be more clearly defined for humans.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Acrylonitrile for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Acrylonitrile for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations to protect workers from the serious harm caused by prolonged exposure to this chemical. Agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established safety limits for the concentration of Acrylonitrile in the air.
According to OSHA, the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Acrylonitrile in the workplace is 2 parts per million (ppm) in the air, calculated for an 8-hour daily exposure and a 40-hour work week. Meanwhile, the recommended short-term exposure limits (STEL) should not exceed 4 ppm for a period of no more than 15 minutes. These limits are set to minimize the risk of health effects on workers, including issues with the respiratory system, nervous system, and serious diseases like cancer.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Acrylonitrile. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Acrylonitrile on workers
To minimize the health effects of Acrylonitrile on workers, safety and protective measures must be implemented strictly and comprehensively at factories and production facilities. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of Acrylonitrile in the air. Effective ventilation systems need to be installed to ensure the air in the workshop is always fresh, minimizing the accumulation of the chemical in the work environment. The use of toxic fume extractors or local exhaust ventilation systems in production areas where Acrylonitrile is present will help reduce the risk to workers.
In addition, continuous monitoring of the Acrylonitrile concentration in the air is very important. Gas measurement devices should be used to monitor the concentration throughout the work shift, in order to promptly detect and handle cases where the concentration exceeds the permissible level. The measurement results should be carefully recorded and reported regularly to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Besides environmental control measures, the use of personal protective equipment is indispensable. Workers must be fully equipped with protective gear such as toxic-resistant masks, gloves, safety glasses, and specialized protective clothing. This equipment helps limit direct exposure to Acrylonitrile through the respiratory tract and skin, protecting workers from its harmful effects.
Occupational safety training and education for workers is also an important measure in minimizing risk. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about the risks of exposure to Acrylonitrile and how to properly use protective equipment. Training programs on first aid and emergency response should also be organized periodically.
Finally, compliance with national and international occupational safety laws and standards is a key factor in ensuring a safe working environment. Managers must ensure that all health protection measures are fully and effectively implemented, from establishing work procedures to regular monitoring and inspection.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of risk to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quotation table for high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
