Working environment factors
How does Arsenic trichloride affect workers’ health?
Dec
Arsenous trichloride (AsCl₃) is a toxic chemical often present in manufacturing plants, posing many risks that can seriously affect the health of workers. This article will analyze the impacts of AsCl₃, from the risk of poisoning to health protection measures, helping you understand better to prevent them.
1. What is Arsenous trichloride?
Arsenous trichloride, also known as arsenic (III) chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula AsCl₃. It is an inorganic compound belonging to the arsenic halide group. Arsenous trichloride is a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor and is highly toxic, commonly used in the chemical and manufacturing industries.
This compound is formed from one arsenic atom combined with three chlorine atoms, creating a molecule with a trigonal pyramidal structure. Arsenous trichloride readily dissolves in water, creating a strongly acidic solution, and can also react with many other compounds, making it an important raw material in many chemical production processes.
However, due to its high toxicity, AsCl₃ must be handled with care during use. It can be hazardous to human health through direct contact or inhalation. Understanding the chemical properties and characteristics of arsenous trichloride is a crucial first step to ensuring safety in the workplace.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Asen triclorua | Arsenous trichloride | 28121090 | 7784-34-1 | AsCl₃ |
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2. Where does Arsenous trichloride originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the compound AsCl₃ typically arises from chemical reactions between arsenic-containing substances and chlorine-containing compounds. One common source is the processing of arsenic-containing minerals, such as arsenopyrite, through special chemical reactions to extract by-products.
Additionally, it can also be created in the chemical industry through the chlorination process of arsenic compounds. In manufacturing plants, this compound often appears when processing arsenic-containing materials or chemicals under high-temperature conditions or when using chlorine to synthesize other chemical products.
The metallurgy, pesticide manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing industries can also be sources of arsenous trichloride. The formation of this compound during production requires strict control measures to minimize risks to the environment and the health of workers.
3. Industries that use Arsenous trichloride in production
In industry, AsCl₃ is used as an intermediate in the production of organoarsenic compounds, especially in the synthesis of organic compounds containing arsenic. Additionally, AsCl₃ is also used in the manufacturing of pesticides, plant protection agents, and in other chemical processes.
4. How does Arsenous trichloride affect workers?
Inhaling AsCl₃ vapor can lead to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, pneumonia, and damage to the respiratory tract lining. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Furthermore, AsCl₃ is also carcinogenic and can cause other occupational diseases. Therefore, adherence to occupational safety measures and the use of personal protective equipment are crucial to protecting workers’ health.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Arsenous trichloride for human exposure
According to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 03:2019/BYT, the permissible exposure limit (TWA) for arsenic and its compounds in the workplace air is 0.1 mg/m³. This means that the concentration of arsenic in the air must not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ during an 8-hour workday. If the arsenic concentration exceeds this limit, workers may face serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system, skin, and an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, complying with exposure limit regulations and implementing protective measures is crucial to ensure worker safety.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Arsenous trichloride. 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 mitigate the health effects of Arsenous trichloride on workers
To minimize the health effects of arsenous trichloride on workers, the following measures should be implemented:
1. Hazard assessment and control: Regularly conduct risk assessments to determine the level of exposure and hazards related to arsenous trichloride. Based on the results, establish appropriate control measures to minimize risks for workers.
2. Improving technological processes: Modify production processes to reduce the generation of arsenous trichloride, such as designing machinery that produces fewer toxic elements, less noise, and vibration; using less toxic chemicals or replacing them with safer alternatives.
3. Providing personal protective equipment (PPE): Equip workers with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, safety glasses, and specialized clothing to prevent direct contact with arsenous trichloride. The correct and full use of this equipment is very important for protecting workers’ health.
4. Training and education: Organize occupational safety training courses, especially on the hazards related to arsenous trichloride, so that workers understand and comply with preventive measures. Training also includes the proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.
5. Periodic health monitoring: Conduct regular health check-ups for workers to detect early signs of poisoning or occupational diseases related to arsenous trichloride. Health check results help in adjusting protective measures in a timely manner.
6. Compliance with legal regulations: Ensure compliance with legal regulations on occupational safety and health for jobs and work that adversely affect reproductive function and child-rearing as stipulated by law.
The comprehensive implementation of the above measures will help to minimize the health effects of arsenous trichloride on workers, ensuring safety and efficiency in the production process.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on 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, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The workplace environment monitoring center of Nam Viet 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 measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists 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 customer needs, and committing 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 workplace 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 a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
