Working environment factors
How Does Thioglycolic Acid Affect Workers’ Health?
Nov
Thioglycolic acid, a chemical compound widely used in many industries, especially in the beauty and hair care industry. However, exposure to this substance can have significant effects on workers’ health. This article will delve into the study of the impact of thioglycolic acid on workers, while also addressing safety measures and risk management to protect the health of those working in environments exposed to this substance.
1. What is Thioglycolic acid?
Thioglycolic acid, also known as mercaptoacetic acid, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C2H4O2S. It is a thiol acid, meaning it contains a thiol group (-SH) in its molecular structure. Thioglycolic acid usually appears as a colorless liquid with a rather strong odor.
Thioglycolic acid has many applications in the beauty and hair care industry. It is often used in hair perming (perms) and hair straightening products by reducing the elasticity of the hair shaft. In addition, it is also used in the hair setting process and in hair removal products.
However, due to its chemical nature, thioglycolic acid can also pose some health risks upon direct contact, especially if safety measures are not followed during use. Managing and minimizing the risks from thioglycolic acid is important in industries that use this substance.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Axit thioglycolic | Thioglycolic acid | 29309090 | 68-11-1 | C2H4O2S |
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2. What is the source of Thioglycolic acid in the production process?
Thioglycolic acid is typically produced through chemical synthesis. One of the common methods for producing thioglycolic acid is the hydrolysis of an ester, called ester thiolysis.
The synthesis process can occur as follows:
- Raw materials: An ester typically containing a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a thiol group (-SH), such as an ester of glycolic acid with a thiol like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or another mercaptan.
- Thiolysis reaction: Ester thiolysis occurs when the thiol group (-SH) of the thiol is added to the ester group, forming thioglycolic acid and an alcohol as a byproduct.
The reaction formula can be represented as follows:
Where:
- R-C(O)-O-R’ is the initial ester.
- is the thiol (can be hydrogen sulfide or another thiol).
- R-C(O)-SH is thioglycolic acid.
- is the alcohol formed as a byproduct.
This process creates thioglycolic acid from simple raw materials and is an important method in the industrial production of this substance.
3. Industries that use Thioglycolic acid in production
Thioglycolic acid (TGA) is used in many industries with applications primarily related to its chemical properties. Here are some common industries that use Thioglycolic acid in their production processes:
- Beauty and hair care industry: Thioglycolic acid is commonly used in hair perming (perms) and hair straightening products. It has the ability to reduce the elasticity of the hair shaft, helping to create different hairstyles.
- Leather industry: Thioglycolic acid also has applications in softening leather, especially in the production of hair removal creams.
- Paper industry: Some applications in paper processing may use Thioglycolic acid to improve certain properties of the paper.
- Chemical industry: Thioglycolic acid is used in some chemical synthesis processes and as an intermediate in certain reactions.
- Textile industry: There are cases where Thioglycolic acid is used in the processing of natural or synthetic fibers to change some properties of the textile fibers.
- Food processing industry: Some applications of Thioglycolic acid may appear in food processing, especially in the process of softening some types of food.
4. How does Thioglycolic acid affect workers?
Thioglycolic acid can affect workers’ health depending on how they are exposed to this substance and the level of health protection implemented. Here are some potential effects:
- Skin and eye irritation: Direct contact with thioglycolic acid can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. If workers do not use protective measures such as gloves and goggles, they may experience redness, itching, or tearing.
- Effects on the respiratory system: If thioglycolic acid vapor or dust is inhaled, it can irritate the respiratory tract and may lead to problems such as discomfort, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Risks from long-term exposure: Workers frequently exposed to thioglycolic acid, especially in the beauty industry, may face higher risks. Health problems can include skin damage, respiratory issues, or other problems related to long-term exposure to this substance.
- Safety during use: Adhering to safety rules, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and implementing risk management measures are important to minimize the negative impact of thioglycolic acid on workers’ health.
- Risk management: Businesses should apply safety measures, provide training to employees on how to use and handle this substance correctly, and ensure that work areas are designed to minimize unwanted exposure to thioglycolic acid.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Thioglycolic acid for human exposure
The safe concentration of Thioglycolic acid (TGA) for human exposure depends on many factors, including the route of exposure (skin, inhalation, eyes), duration of exposure, and the overall health of the person exposed. Safety standards may vary by country and specific industry.
At high levels, Thioglycolic acid can cause irritation and damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. To ensure safety, organizations and industries often establish safety limits, expressed by indices such as TLV (Threshold Limit Value) or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Specifically, according to some reference sources, the safe concentration for exposure to Thioglycolic acid can be determined as follows:
- ACGIH’s TLV (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists): 0.5 ppm (parts per million) for Thioglycolic acid vapor in the air over an 8-hour workday.
- OSHA’s PEL: 1 ppm for Thioglycolic acid vapor in the air over an 8-hour workday.
However, to ensure the best safety, workers should follow the specific safety guidelines and regulations of their organization and industry, and use personal protective equipment when necessary. This information is for reference only and may change over time and by specific location.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Thioglycolic acid on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Thioglycolic acid (TGA) on workers’ health, safety and risk management measures need to be applied. Here are some important measures:
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers should use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection to reduce direct contact with TGA. Choosing PPE appropriate for the nature of this substance is important.
- Exposure management: For those who work frequently with TGA, work processes should be reviewed and redesigned to minimize unwanted exposure. This may include using effective ventilation systems, reducing evaporation, and optimizing the means required to use this substance.
- Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained on the safety and risk management of TGA. This includes instructions on how to use PPE, first aid measures, and understanding the associated risks.
- Control the work environment: Ensure that work areas are designed to minimize exposure to TGA. This may include installing effective ventilation systems and keeping the workplace clean.
- Health monitoring: Conduct regular health monitoring for workers, which can help in the early detection of health problems related to TGA exposure.
- Adhere to regulations and guidelines: Managers and employees should comply with all safety regulations and guidelines from occupational and environmental regulatory agencies.
- 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.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the workplace 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 clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has been and is becoming 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.
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- Coming to 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 advantages.
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 monitoring quotation 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.
- We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are 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 service quality.
