How Does Acrylic Acid Affect Workers’ Health?

This article will discuss the impact of acrylic acid on the health of workers. Acrylic acid, a chemical compound widely used in various industries, can cause many health-related problems if not managed properly. We will delve into the potential risks, the effects of acrylic acid on the respiratory system, skin, and other aspects of worker health. At the same time, the article will also present the necessary safety measures and regulations to minimize risks and protect the health of those working in environments containing this substance.

1. What is Acrylic acid?

Acrylic acid (C3H4O2) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CH2=CHCOOH. It is a colorless carboxylic acid with a rather strong odor. Acrylic acid is commonly used in many industrial applications, including the production of acrylic polymers, durability enhancers for paints and adhesives, and as a raw material for many other chemical products.

Acrylic polymers produced from acrylic acid can be used in many applications, including paints, adhesives, fibers, and other products. The chemical properties of acrylic acid make it an important component in creating products with high durability and flexibility.

However, as mentioned in the previous question about the impact of acrylic acid on worker health, the production and use of acrylic acid can also pose some safety and environmental issues. The management and use of acrylic acid must comply with safety regulations to minimize risks to human health and the environment.

No.	Chemical Name in Vietnamese	Chemical Name in English	HS Code	CAS Number	Chemical Formula
1.	Axit acrylic	Acrylic acid	29161100	79-10-7	C3H4O2

See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP

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2. Where does Acrylic acid originate from in the production process?

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3. Industries that use Acrylic acid in production

Acrylic acid is used in many different industries due to its diverse and flexible properties. Here are some of the main industries where acrylic acid is applied:

• Polymer Industry:
  • Acrylic acid is the main raw material for producing acrylic polymers. These polymers are used in many applications such as paints, glues, adhesives, and acrylic fibers.
• Paint and Ink Industry:
  • Acrylic acid and its derived polymers are used to create paints and inks with waterproof properties, high adhesion, and good colorfastness.
• Adhesives and Sealants Industry:
  • Acrylic acid is often used to produce acrylic adhesives, which have wide applications from the packaging industry to the construction sector.
• Faux Leather and Acrylic Fiber Industry:
  • Acrylic fiber, produced from acrylic polymers, is an alternative to natural fibers and is used in the textile and apparel manufacturing industry.
• Water Treatment and Detergent Industry:
  • Acrylic acid can be used to produce detergents and water softeners.
• Rubber Industry:
  • Acrylic acid can be used in the production of heat-resistant and waterproof rubber.
• Pharmaceutical Industry:
  • Acrylic acid and its derivatives may be used in some pharmaceutical applications, such as a binder in tablet production.
• Paper and Packaging Preservation Industry:
  • Acrylic acid is used to produce waterproofing agents and preservatives in the paper and packaging industry.

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4. How does Acrylic acid affect workers?

Acrylic acid, like many other chemicals, can affect worker health when we are exposed to it during production, handling, or use. Here are some potential effects of acrylic acid on workers:

• Effects on the Respiratory System:
  • Exposure to acrylic acid vapor can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to problems such as nasal inflammation, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. In cases of long-term exposure or exposure to high concentrations, it can be harmful to the lungs.
• Effects on Skin and Eyes:
  • Acrylic acid can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Skin contact can lead to irritation, redness, and rashes, while eye contact can cause pain and tearing.
• Occupational Safety Risks:
  • Acrylic acid is flammable and can create hazardous vapors. If proper safety measures are not followed, accidents such as fires and explosions can occur.
• Mechanical Impacts:
  • During production or use, workers may have to work with mechanical equipment. This can create a risk of accidents causing injury to muscles, bones, or other parts of the body.
• Effects on the Endocrine System and Internal Organs:
  • If exposure to acrylic acid occurs at high levels and over a long period, it may have an impact on the endocrine system and internal organs; however, significant exposure is required for a considerable effect in this area.

To minimize risks and protect worker health, the production and use of acrylic acid must typically adhere to strict safety standards, including the use of protective equipment, waste management, and training employees on occupational safety.

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5. Permissible safe concentration of Acrylic acid for human exposure

The permissible safe concentration of acrylic acid for human exposure can vary depending on many factors, including exposure duration, route of exposure (vapor, liquid, or dust), as well as working conditions. Specific safety regulations may be determined by occupational safety and health regulatory agencies in each country.

In many cases, agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, and similar organizations in other countries have proposed safety limits for acrylic acid.

For example, according to OSHA in the United States, the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for acrylic acid is 2 ppm (parts per million) in the air over an 8-hour work shift. Additionally, OSHA also proposes a short-term exposure limit (STEL) (15 minutes) of 10 ppm.

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6. Measures to minimize the impact of Acrylic acid on worker health

To minimize the impact of acrylic acid on worker health, there are many safety and management measures that organizations and businesses can implement. Here are some important measures:

• Safety Management System:
  • Establish and maintain a comprehensive occupational safety management system to ensure that all processes for producing, handling, and using acrylic acid comply with safety standards.
• Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Provide and require the use of adequate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing to minimize direct contact with acrylic acid.
• Reduce Exposure:
  • Limit exposure time and reduce exposure intensity by optimizing work processes and using effective ventilation systems.
• Safe Work Procedures:
  • Develop and adhere to safe work procedures, including processes for handling, storing, and disposing of acrylic acid waste.
• Occupational safety training:
  • Provide training related to occupational safety and specific tasks involving acrylic acid, including risk identification and proper use of protective measures.
• Source Control and Production Process:
  • Optimize the production and use of acrylic acid to minimize emissions and unnecessary worker exposure.
• Periodic Medical Check-ups:
  • Conduct periodic medical check-ups for workers exposed to acrylic acid to monitor their health and detect any health issues early.
• Accident Prevention and Emergency Organization:
  • Organize and train employees on accident prevention measures and emergency plans in case of an incident.
• Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.

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7. National occupational environment monitoring center

Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring center is a professional unit specializing in 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 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits 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 customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
• Along with a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

• Coming to Nam Viet’s 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.

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8. Occupational environment monitoring quotation

To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.

• Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes all 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 commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring 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.