Working environment factors
How does Hydrocyanic Acid affect workers’ health?
Jan
Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) is a dangerous chemical that can have serious effects on the health of workers in manufacturing plants. This article will delve into analyzing the impact of HCN on the body, the symptoms of poisoning, and the necessary preventive measures to protect workers.
1. What is Hydrocyanic acid?
Hydrocyanic acid, with the chemical formula HCN and structural formula H−C≡N, is a highly toxic inorganic compound. All of its salts are also highly toxic, with a toxicity similar to nicotine.
Chemically, HCN is a very weak acid, weaker than even silicic acid (H₂SiO₃). However, this acid can form complexes with many d-block metals such as Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, etc.
Hydrocyanic acid has a molecular weight of 27. In its anhydrous state, it is a mobile, colorless liquid that is very soluble in water and alcohol, easily solidifies, and is highly volatile (melting point is −15 °C, boiling point is 25.6 °C), with a specific gravity of d= 0.696. The vapor of HCN has a specific gravity of d = 0.968 and it is a very weak acid.
Hydrocyanic acid is extremely toxic. In its gaseous form (hydrogen cyanide), its odor can only be detected at concentrations that are already lethal.
HCN is produced by reacting ammonia with carbon monoxide at high temperatures with a ThO₂ catalyst. From this reaction, 2 HCN and 3 H₂O are obtained. In this reaction, ammonia and carbon monoxide react under the influence of high temperature and a ThO₂ catalyst to form hydrocyanic acid and water.
This reaction is carried out under special conditions, including high temperature and the presence of the ThO₂ catalyst, to achieve high efficiency in HCN production.
HCN is a gas called hydrogen cyanide, which forms a hydrocyanic acid solution when dissolved in water. HCN is a covalent compound like HCl, with a linear molecular structure. The H–C bond length is 1.05 Å and the C–N bond length is 1.54 Å.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axit hydroxyanic | Hydrocyanic acid | 28111990 | 74-90-8 | HCN |
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2. Where does Hydrocyanic acid originate from during the production process?
During production, HCN can be generated from various sources, especially in the chemical and mining industries. One of the main sources is the production of cyanide, an important compound in the gold and metal extraction industries. HCN is created when ammonia (NH₃) reacts with carbon monoxide (CO) under high temperature and with a catalyst, a process used in cyanide production.
In addition, HCN can also be generated in other chemical reactions, such as when nitrogen- or carbon-containing compounds decompose in oxygen-deficient conditions. The production of plastics and pesticides is also a source of HCN, as chemical reactions involving organic compounds containing nitrogen and carbon take place.
Another factor that can lead to the generation of HCN in an industrial environment is the incomplete combustion of organic materials. For example, during the burning of fuels containing nitrogen and carbon, HCN can be formed as a byproduct, contributing to the presence of this compound in the air.
3. Industries that use Hydrocyanic acid in production
In production, HCN is widely used in many different industries, mainly those related to chemicals and mining. One of the most common applications of this compound is in the production of cyanide, an important substance in the gold mining industry. Cyanide is used to separate gold from ore through a chemical process, and HCN is the basic raw material for creating cyanide.
Besides that, HCN is also used in the production of plastics, especially in the manufacturing of thermoplastics and synthetic resins. This compound participates in the production of polymer compounds, helping to create plastic products with special properties such as durability and chemical resistance.
In the pharmaceutical industry, HCN also has some applications, particularly in the production of pesticides. Cyanide-containing compounds, produced from HCN, are often used in plant protection products to help kill insects and other pests.
Finally, HCN is also used in the manufacturing of detergents and in other chemical reactions to create special chemical products for various industrial applications.
4. How does Hydrocyanic acid affect workers?
When workers are exposed to HCN in the workplace, this compound can cause serious health effects. Inhaling HCN vapor can lead to acute poisoning symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. With prolonged exposure or high concentrations, HCN can inhibit cellular respiration, reducing the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, which can lead to asphyxiation and a lack of oxygen in the blood.
More severe poisoning symptoms can appear quickly, including loss of consciousness, heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, and ultimately, respiratory arrest or death if not treated promptly. HCN can also cause damage to the nervous system, reducing reaction times and affecting brain function.
In addition to the respiratory route, HCN can also be absorbed through the skin if workers come into direct contact with HCN solution or vapor. Skin wounds or prolonged contact with products containing HCN can lead to poisoning.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hydrocyanic acid for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of HCN for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations. According to international standards, the concentration of HCN in the air should not exceed 10 parts per million (ppm) to ensure the health of workers in the workplace. This level is considered safe enough to not cause immediate acute poisoning symptoms.
However, this level only applies to short-term exposure. If the concentration of HCN in the air exceeds 10 ppm for a long period, the risk of poisoning increases. Concentrations above 50 ppm can cause severe poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and when the concentration reaches 100 ppm or higher, it can be fatal if not treated in time.
In addition, the concentration of HCN in the air needs to be strictly controlled in industrial environments, especially in industries that use HCN such as cyanide production, mining, or plastics manufacturing.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Hydrocyanic 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 effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Hydrocyanic acid on workers
To minimize the health effects of HCN on workers, safety measures must be strictly applied in the workplace. One of the key measures is to control the concentration of HCN in the air. Gas concentration monitoring devices should be used to ensure that the level of HCN does not exceed the permissible limit, helping to reduce the risk of poisoning for workers.
In addition, good ventilation in production areas where HCN is used is very important. The ventilation system should be designed to quickly remove toxic gases from the air, supply fresh air, and reduce the concentration of HCN to a safe level. This not only protects the health of workers but also creates a healthier work environment.
Workers also need to be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, especially respirators capable of filtering toxic gases. At the same time, training on preventive measures and how to handle HCN leaks must be conducted regularly to raise awareness and skills of workers in responding to risks.
Furthermore, controlling the quality and durability of the equipment and machinery used in the HCN production process also plays an important role in minimizing the risk of toxic gas generation. If a leak occurs, workers must be quickly evacuated from the hazardous area and receive immediate medical attention.
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 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
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment 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 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all of the client’s 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 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.
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- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
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8. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for occupational environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our price list provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This 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.
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