Working environment factors
How does Antimony Hydride affect workers’ health?
Feb
Antimony hydride (H3Sb) is a hazardous chemical commonly used in manufacturing plants. This article will analyze its impact on the health of workers, from poisoning symptoms to long-term risks, helping readers better understand the potential dangers in the work environment.
1. What is Antimony hydride?
Antimony hydride, also known as stibine, has the chemical formula H₃Sb. It is a chemical compound of the element antimony (Sb) with three hydrogen (H) atoms. In its molecular structure, the antimony atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms, forming a colorless and volatile gas molecule. Stibine is known for its toxic and flammable properties and is often used in industrial applications such as for fumigation, as a flame retardant, and in alloy production. However, due to its toxicity, the use and handling of stibine must comply with strict chemical safety regulations.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Antimony hydril | Antimony hydride | 28500000 | 7803-52-3 | H3Sb |
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 Antimony hydride originate from in the production process?
During production, the compound H₃Sb is primarily generated from chemical reactions when antimony is processed in an environment containing elements like hydrogen or in industrial processes using antimony, such as the production of alloys, flame retardants, and preservatives. This compound can be created in antimony metal processing plants, where antimony is reacted with hydrogen to produce antimony hydride. These processes take place in a controlled environment; however, in some cases, due to incomplete chemical reactions or leaks in equipment, H₃Sb can be generated and contaminate the air or the working environment.
3. Industries that use Antimony hydride in production
In industrial production, the compound H₃Sb is used in several industries, mainly in the production of antimony alloys and products related to flame retardants. The alloy manufacturing industry is the main consumer of antimony hydride, especially in creating antimony-copper or antimony-lead alloys, used in electronic devices and components. In addition, in the flame retardant manufacturing industry, H₃Sb is also used to create compounds that can prevent fire in materials such as fabric, plastic, and synthetic fibers.
The battery manufacturing industry, especially lead-acid batteries, also has a presence of antimony hydride. It is used in the fabrication of lead-antimony alloys, which help improve the performance and durability of these batteries. Besides that, in some other industrial applications such as the production of pesticides, catalysts, and in special chemical processes, H₃Sb may also be used, although not in large proportions.
4. How does Antimony hydride affect workers?
When workers are in an environment with the presence of H₃Sb, they can face dangerous health effects. This compound can directly harm the respiratory system if inhaled as a gas or dust in the air. Poisoning symptoms can appear immediately, including coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose and throat. If exposure is long-term or at high concentrations, H₃Sb can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia, chronic lung disease, and even affect cardiovascular function.
In addition, workers may experience effects on their nervous system with prolonged exposure to antimony hydride. Symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and dizziness may appear, reducing work capacity and affecting quality of life. Exposure to this compound can also cause digestive problems, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In cases of excessive exposure, these symptoms can become more severe, affecting the overall health of the worker.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Antimony hydride for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on the permissible safe concentration of antimony hydride (H₃Sb) for human exposure in the work environment. However, health and occupational safety organizations often recommend that exposure to toxic chemicals should be limited to the lowest possible level. To ensure safety, workers should comply with the safety regulations and guidelines of relevant authorities and industries. Measuring and controlling the concentration of this substance in the work environment is also an important part of ensuring occupational health and safety.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Antimony hydride. 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 Antimony hydride on worker health
To minimize the effects of H₃Sb on worker health, safety measures must be strictly implemented in the work environment. One of the important methods is to control the concentration of H₃Sb gas in the air, ensuring that the worker’s exposure level does not exceed the prescribed safety limits. Ventilation devices and exhaust systems are effective tools to reduce the accumulation of this compound in the workspace.
In addition, providing personal protective equipment for workers is an important factor. Using gas-filtering respirators, gloves, and protective clothing will help prevent direct contact with H₃Sb. This protective equipment should be selected to be appropriate for the characteristics of the job and the nature of the compound.
It is also necessary to establish regular training programs for workers on the risks of chemical exposure and preventive measures. Ensuring that workers clearly understand safety procedures and how to use protective equipment correctly will help minimize the risk of developing health problems. At the same time, regular health check-ups and monitoring the health of workers in environments containing H₃Sb are also very important to detect early signs of poisoning.
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.
