Working environment factors
How does Acetic acid affect workers’ health?
Oct
Acetic acid (C2H4O2) is a crucial chemical in production, but what are its effects on the health of workers in factory environments where this chemical is used? The following article will analyze the potential impacts, from respiratory risks to skin irritation, along with safety protection measures.
1. What is Acetic acid?
Acetic acid, with the chemical formula C₂H₄O₂, is a common chemical compound belonging to the carboxylic acid group. It is the main component of vinegar, creating the characteristic sour taste we often encounter. In industry, acetic acid is an important chemical, often used to produce plastic products, synthetic fibers, adhesives, and solvents. With its corrosive nature and strong reactivity, acetic acid plays a significant role in many production processes but also comes with strict occupational safety requirements.
When in its pure form, acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a distinct, easily recognizable sour smell. Its boiling point is about 118°C, and at high concentrations, acetic acid can cause burns or irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axít axetic | Acetic acid | 29152100 | 64-19-7 | C2H4O2 |
See more about the chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Acetic acid originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, acetic acid can originate from various sources, depending on the specific industry and process. In the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, acetic acid is often produced through the fermentation of ethanol or the oxidation of acetaldehyde. These are common methods for large-scale production of acetic acid to meet the demands of diverse industries.
Additionally, in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers, acetic acid can arise as an intermediate or a by-product of chemical reactions. Many industries, especially food production, also use acetic acid as an additive, preservative, or flavoring agent.
3. Industries that use Acetic acid in production
Many industries today use acetic acid as a key component in their production processes. In the chemical industry, acetic acid is widely used to produce compounds such as acetate and polyvinyl acetate – basic materials in the production of plastics and paints. This sector consumes a large amount of acetic acid, as chemical reactions with this acid help create products with high durability and flexibility.
The textile and synthetic fiber manufacturing industries also use acetic acid for processing, dyeing, and softening fabrics. Acetic acid acts as an intermediate in the production process of fibers like polyester, contributing to increased durability, shine, and quality of the final product. Furthermore, in the food and beverage industry, acetic acid is used as a preservative and flavoring agent, helping to extend shelf life and improve the taste of products.
The pharmaceutical industry also relies on acetic acid for the production of various drugs, especially antibiotics and other compounds. Acetic acid is used in the purification and extraction of medicinal materials, playing a crucial role in ensuring the quality and efficacy of drugs. In the cosmetics industry, acetic acid appears as an ingredient to adjust pH and improve product preservation. With its wide range of applications and diverse chemical properties, acetic acid has become an indispensable chemical in many industrial sectors.
4. How does Acetic acid affect workers?
Exposure to acetic acid in the work environment can cause many serious health effects for workers. At high concentrations, acetic acid can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. When inhaling acetic acid vapor for a long time, workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the nose and throat. In some severe cases, long-term exposure to acetic acid vapor can damage the lung lining, leading to pneumonia and other chronic respiratory diseases.
The impact of acetic acid on the skin is also a significant concern. Upon direct contact, acetic acid can cause chemical burns, with symptoms such as redness, burning pain, or blistering. For the eyes, acetic acid vapor can cause irritation, stinging, and temporary blurring of vision. If acetic acid gets into the eyes, the risk of corneal damage is very high and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
In addition, long-term exposure to acetic acid without appropriate protective measures can also affect the nervous system. Studies show that workers frequently exposed to acetic acid may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and in some cases, memory impairment.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Acetic acid for human exposure
To protect workers’ health in environments with the presence of acetic acid, regulations on safe exposure concentrations have been established. According to occupational safety standards, the concentration of acetic acid in the air should not exceed 10 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday. This is considered a safe level for workers to avoid adverse effects on the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. However, in some emergency situations or for short-term exposure, the permissible concentration can be raised to 15 ppm for a period of 15 minutes.
This limit is established based on studies of the effects of acetic acid on the human body, aiming to minimize the risk of irritation and chronic respiratory diseases. At higher concentrations, acetic acid can cause severe irritation and lead to serious injuries, so monitoring the concentration of acetic acid in the workplace air is extremely important. Factories and production facilities need to be equipped with chemical concentration measurement systems and control ventilation to maintain acetic acid levels at a safe level.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Acetic acid. Organizations like 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 Acetic acid on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of acetic acid on workers’ health, applying safety and preventive measures is essential. First, workspace design should be prioritized to ensure good ventilation. Ventilation systems must be installed and regularly maintained to reduce the concentration of acetic acid in the air, especially in high-risk areas such as production plants and laboratories. This not only helps control acetic acid concentration but also improves air quality in the work environment.
Besides, providing and using personal protective equipment (PPE) also plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ health. Workers need to be equipped with respirators, gloves, and protective goggles to limit direct contact with acetic acid and protect sensitive body parts. Training workers on how to use this protective equipment is also an indispensable element to ensure occupational safety.
In addition, organizing training sessions on occupational safety and the health effects of acetic acid is also an important measure. These training sessions will help workers better understand the associated risks and how to handle dangerous situations. Furthermore, conducting regular health check-ups for workers is an effective way to detect early symptoms and adverse effects from acetic acid.
Finally, production facilities must establish emergency response procedures to handle incidents of leaks or exposure to acetic acid quickly and effectively. This not only protects the health of workers but also helps maintain safety and stability in the company’s production activities.
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 occupational 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 occupational environment monitoring center
The occupational environment monitoring center of Nam Viet 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 SERVICE
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 focuses on 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 our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With 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 occupational environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced price list for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation price list 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 commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
