Anthraquinone (C14H8O2) is an important chemical in industrial production, but its impact on the health of workers in a factory environment is a major concern. This article will explore the effects of anthraquinone on health and the necessary protective measures for workers.
1. What is Anthraquinone?
Anthraquinone, with the chemical formula C14H8O2, is an important aromatic organic compound in the chemical industry. It has a structure consisting of three benzene rings fused together, forming a flat and stable system. In it, two carbonyl groups (C=O) are attached at positions 9 and 10 on the anthracene structure, forming anthraquinone.
Anthraquinone typically appears as yellow crystals, with a melting point of about 284–286°C and a boiling point of about 377°C. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in hot organic solvents.
This compound is widely used in the production of dyes, paper, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. In particular, anthraquinone plays a crucial role in the production of hydrogen peroxide and is used as a catalyst in this process.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Anthraquinon | Anthraquinone | 29146100 | 84-65-1 | C14H8O2 |
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2. Where does Anthraquinone originate from in the production process?
In industrial production processes, anthraquinone is typically created from chemical reactions involving the processing of carbon-containing organic compounds. One of the common methods for synthesizing anthraquinone is from anthracene, an aromatic organic compound available from petroleum or coal tar. The production process of anthraquinone begins with the oxidation of anthracene in the presence of a catalyst, usually a metal such as chromium or manganese.
Besides that, anthraquinone can also be formed from the conversion of by-products from the paper and textile dyeing industries. In paper mills, compounds containing anthraquinone can be generated from the processing of wood pulp or in chemical reactions related to the production of various dyes. This process is not only limited to the synthesis of pure anthraquinone but can also create other derivatives of this compound, which play important roles in many industries.

3. Industries that use Anthraquinone in production
Anthraquinone is widely used in many industries due to its special chemical properties. One of the main applications of anthraquinone is in the dye manufacturing industry. This compound is used to produce yellow and red dyes, especially in the textile industry, where it helps create durable and vibrant colors for fabrics.
In addition, anthraquinone also plays an important role in the paper industry. It is used in the production process of hydrogen peroxide, a powerful bleaching agent, thanks to its ability to act as a catalyst in the oxidation reaction. The presence of anthraquinone helps improve the efficiency of this process while minimizing energy consumption and production costs.
Furthermore, anthraquinone is also applied in the petrochemical industry, particularly in the production of organic compounds and polymers. Besides that, it is also used in the pharmaceutical and other chemical industries to synthesize complex organic compounds, as well as in the production of products with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
4. How does Anthraquinone affect workers?
When workers are in an environment with the presence of anthraquinone, they can be exposed to this compound through inhalation, skin contact, or direct contact with solutions containing anthraquinone. Long-term exposure to anthraquinone can cause negative health effects, especially for the respiratory system and skin.
In some cases, inhaling anthraquinone dust can lead to respiratory problems, including rhinitis, coughing, or even chronic lung diseases with prolonged exposure. Direct skin contact can cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. In addition, some studies suggest that anthraquinone can cause liver and kidney problems when exposed to high concentrations over a long period.
Furthermore, anthraquinone may have carcinogenic effects when exposed to it in an industrial environment without appropriate protective measures. Workers who have direct contact with anthraquinone, such as in dye or chemical manufacturing plants, are at a higher risk of developing chemical-related cancers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Anthraquinone for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on the permissible safe concentration for exposure to anthraquinone in the work environment. However, health and occupational safety organizations often recommend applying personal protective measures and adhering to safety guidelines to minimize the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Compliance with regulations and safety guidelines from authorities is crucial to protect the health of workers.

At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Anthraquinone. 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 impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Anthraquinone on worker health
To minimize the health effects of anthraquinone on workers, protective measures must be strictly implemented during the production process. One of the important measures is to improve the ventilation system in work areas. Ensuring that the air in the factory is always fresh and has an effective air filtration system will help reduce the amount of anthraquinone dust in the air, thereby reducing the risk of inhaling these chemical particles.
In addition, providing adequate personal protective equipment such as chemical respirators, gloves, and protective clothing is essential. This equipment helps limit direct contact with anthraquinone through the skin and respiratory tract. Workers also need to be fully trained on how to use and maintain protective equipment, and to follow safety procedures when working with chemicals.
During work, regular health check-ups should be conducted to promptly detect signs of poisoning from anthraquinone. Monitoring the health of workers not only helps in the early detection of respiratory and skin problems but also helps control potential diseases caused by this chemical. Besides that, complying with regulations on the maximum concentration of anthraquinone in the work environment is also an important factor in protecting workers’ health.
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 compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s workplace environment monitoring center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, processing, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
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8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
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