Working environment factors
How does Allyl Isothiocyanate affect workers’ health?
Feb
Allyl isothiocyanate (C4H5NS) is a common chemical compound in many manufacturing industries, but does it affect the health of workers with long-term exposure? This article will explore the health effects of this substance and effective protective measures for workers in the work environment.
1. What is Allyl isothiocyanate?
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), with the chemical formula C₄H₅NS, is an organic sulfur-containing compound that exists as a colorless oil with a characteristic pungent odor. The molecular structure of AITC includes an isothiocyanate group (-N=C=S) linked to an allyl chain (-CH₂=CH-CH₂-). This compound has a melting point of about -102°C and a boiling point of about 148°C. AITC is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in many other organic solvents.
In nature, AITC is found in plants of the Brassicaceae family such as horseradish, mustard, and radish. When parts of the plant are destroyed, the enzyme myrosinase converts a glucosinolate (sinigrin) into AITC, creating the characteristic pungent flavor of these spices.
With its special chemical properties, AITC is widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and spice. In addition, AITC is also researched and applied in other fields such as medicine and agriculture thanks to its biological properties.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Allyl isothiocynat | Allyl isothiocyanate | 29309090 | 57-06-7 | C4H5NS |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Allyl isothiocyanate originate from in the production process?
During production, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is mainly created from compounds found in plants of the Brassicaceae family, such as mustard, horseradish, and radish. These plants contain a compound called glucosinolate, specifically sinigrin, which has the ability to be converted into AITC with the involvement of the enzyme myrosinase.
When the parts of the plant containing glucosinolate are broken or crushed, the myrosinase enzyme activates the conversion reaction, releasing allyl isothiocyanate from sinigrin. This process is natural and occurs in the plant’s cells, but in the manufacturing industry, AITC can be extracted through processing or treatment methods to obtain this compound in its pure form.
Besides that, AITC can also be artificially synthesized in industrial production facilities through chemical reactions, where initial raw materials are processed under appropriate conditions to create the final product.
3. Industries that use Allyl isothiocyanate in production
The compound allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is used in several industries, especially in the food and spice industry. In the food industry, AITC is mainly used to create the characteristic pungent flavor for products such as mustard, radishes, and other spices. AITC enhances the flavor and appeal of food, thus becoming an indispensable ingredient in spice processing formulas.
In addition, AITC is also used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Some studies show that this compound can be used in the development of drugs or products with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventing effects. Due to its biological properties, AITC is being tested in medical studies to evaluate its potential to support the treatment of some diseases.
AITC is also used in agriculture, especially in controlling insects and pests. Thanks to its ability to be toxic to many types of organisms, this compound helps to enhance the effectiveness of plant protection products, while also minimizing the use of other toxic chemicals in agriculture.
Other industries, such as chemicals and cosmetics, may also use AITC in manufacturing and beauty products, but the level of application is not as common as in food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
4. How does Allyl isothiocyanate affect workers?
When workers are exposed to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) during work, especially in high-concentration environments, this compound can cause some negative health effects. AITC, due to its strong irritant properties, can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Workers in spice or food manufacturing plants or in the chemical industry may be directly exposed to the vapor or dust of AITC, leading to sensations of itching, skin redness, rhinitis, or even coughing and shortness of breath.
When AITC is inhaled from the air, this compound can directly affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation or more severe irritation, increasing the risk of lung diseases. In particular, people who work in an environment with continuous and long-term exposure may experience serious health problems, such as asthma or chronic lung diseases.
In addition, AITC can also cause allergic reactions in some workers, with symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling in areas of the skin that come into direct contact with this chemical.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Allyl isothiocyanate for human exposure
The safe concentration of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) for human exposure depends on many factors, including exposure time and individual sensitivity. Currently, health and occupational safety agencies recommend maximum exposure levels to AITC to minimize risks for workers and the community.
The OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has issued standards for the maximum permissible concentration of AITC in the work environment. Accordingly, the concentration of AITC in the air should not exceed 0.5 ppm (parts per million) over an 8-hour work shift to avoid long-term adverse health effects on workers. For those with short-term exposure, the safe concentration can be up to 1 ppm for a limited period.
In addition, some studies also indicate that when AITC is consumed in food, the safe amount for the human body is very small. However, in an industrial environment, high concentrations can pose a health risk, especially with prolonged exposure or without protective measures.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Allyl isothiocyanate. Organizations such as 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 effects of Allyl isothiocyanate on worker health
To minimize the effects of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on worker health, protective measures must be strictly applied in the work environment. One of the important measures is to control the concentration of AITC in the air by using ventilation and toxic gas extraction systems to minimize the accumulation of this compound in the work environment. An effective ventilation system helps to change the air frequently and maintain the AITC concentration within safe limits.
Besides that, providing full personal protective equipment for workers is an important measure to avoid direct contact with AITC. Equipment such as toxic-filtering respirators, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing should be used to protect workers from the effects of the chemical. This equipment helps to prevent AITC from coming into direct contact with the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
In addition, training and instructing workers on safety measures is very important. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about the risks of AITC and how to handle emergency situations if an incident occurs, such as when in direct contact with the chemical or being poisoned. This will help them to react quickly and correctly, minimizing harm to their health.
Finally, regular health check-ups for workers are also an important measure to detect early signs of diseases related to AITC. Periodic health examinations help to monitor the health status of workers, detect early negative effects from long-term exposure to this chemical, and take timely intervention measures.
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 workplace environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environmental 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 customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You can be completely confident in 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 consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
