Indole-3-acetic acid (C10H8NO2) is an important compound in many manufacturing industries, but it poses a potential risk to the health of workers. This article will explore the health effects of this chemical and preventive measures when working in an environment where indole-3-acetic acid is used.
1. What is Indole-3-acetic acid?
Indole-3-acetic acid, with the chemical formula C10H8NO2, is an organic compound belonging to the indole-3-acetic acid group. It is known as a natural auxin, playing a crucial role in the growth and physiological regulation of plants. In its molecular structure, indole-3-acetic acid consists of an indole ring linked to a carboxyl group (-COOH) at the 3-position of the benzene ring. The molecular formula C10H8NO2 reflects the combination of 10 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, 1 nitrogen atom, and 2 oxygen atoms. With this structure, indole-3-acetic acid can participate in many biochemical reactions, affecting plant growth, and can be synthesized or extracted from natural sources.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axit indolaxetic | Indole-3-acetic acid | 29183000 | 87-51-4 | C10H8NO2 |
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2. Where does Indole-3-acetic acid originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this compound can be created through various methods. A primary source of indole-3-acetic acid is from chemical synthesis processes in plants manufacturing pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, or other industrial products. In this environment, chemicals like indole or compounds with similar structures are used as raw materials to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid.
In addition, indole-3-acetic acid can also be formed during biological fermentation or plant processing, where certain species of bacteria and fungi can produce this acid from organic compounds available in the environment. These processes are mainly applied in the research and production of plant growth promoters or in biotechnology.
In factories, the generation of indole-3-acetic acid is mainly related to chemical reactions between raw materials, under the control of factors such as temperature, pH, and catalysts. Depending on the intended use, the production process may vary, but most involve the synthesis or extraction of indole-3-acetic acid from chemical or biological sources.

3. Industries that use Indole-3-acetic acid in production
This compound is used in many different industries, especially in agricultural production and the chemical industry. In the agricultural sector, indole-3-acetic acid is an important component in plant growth stimulant products because it helps regulate cell division and root development, increasing crop yield and quality. Therefore, manufacturers of bio-fertilizers and pesticides often use this compound to develop plant support products.
Besides that, in the pharmaceutical industry, this compound is also used in the synthesis of drugs for treating issues related to cell growth. It plays a role in research on cancer and cell biology pathologies, where it is used as a research substance to study its effects on cell development.
Furthermore, in the chemical industries, indole-3-acetic acid is also used in the creation of other compounds, such as antioxidants or other biologically active substances. Industrial chemical manufacturers use this compound in the synthesis and production of auxiliary products for other industries such as food, cosmetics, and healthcare products.
4. How does Indole-3-acetic acid affect workers?
This compound can affect the health of workers upon direct contact during the production process. Due to its special chemical properties, inhaling the vapor or dust of indole-3-acetic acid can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or bronchitis. In addition, if there is prolonged contact with the skin or eyes, it can cause irritation or inflammation, damaging skin tissue or the cornea.
In the work environment, workers who are frequently exposed to this compound may experience health problems related to the central nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, or a feeling of nausea. Failure to comply with safety measures when working with indole-3-acetic acid can increase the risk of diseases related to the immune system or endocrine problems, due to the compound’s impact on metabolism and physiological functions in the body.
Moreover, if not handled properly during the production process, indole-3-acetic acid can be absorbed through the digestive tract if accidentally swallowed or through the skin, causing more serious health problems affecting the liver and kidneys.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Indole-3-acetic acid for human exposure
Currently, no specific concentration of indole-3-acetic acid has been determined to be safe for human contact. The assessment of safety levels depends on many factors, including exposure time, method of contact, and specific working conditions. In research and agricultural applications, this compound is often used at low concentrations and does not pose a danger to human health. However, when working with indole-3-acetic acid in an industrial environment, adhering to safety measures is very important. Workers should use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant coats to minimize the risk of direct contact with this compound. In addition, complying with safety standards and limiting exposure to indole-3-acetic acid is necessary to protect worker health.

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Indole-3-acetic acid. 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 Indole-3-acetic acid on worker health
To minimize the effects of this compound on worker health, safety measures in the work environment are extremely important. First, companies and factories need to ensure the provision of adequate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant clothing. This equipment helps limit direct contact with the compound and protects workers from the risk of inhalation or skin contact.
In addition, controlling the concentration of the compound in the air is an important measure. Effective ventilation and dust extraction systems should be installed in production areas to minimize the accumulation of chemical dust or vapor in the air. Machinery and equipment should also be checked regularly to ensure they do not leak the compound into the work environment.
Training and educating workers on the risks and protective measures when working with this compound is necessary. Workers need to clearly understand safety procedures and know how to handle incidents or unwanted contact. Furthermore, establishing medical regulations such as periodic health checks for workers also helps in the early detection of health effects from exposure to this compound.
Finally, applying international safety regulations and standards is also a crucial factor in protecting worker health. Authorities and factories need to strictly adhere to regulations on the permissible levels of the compound in the work environment to minimize adverse health effects.
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.
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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:
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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.
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