Azinphos-methyl (C10H12N3O3PS2) is a popular pesticide, but its impact on the health of workers in manufacturing plants is a matter of concern. This article will explore the health risks posed by Azinphos-methyl, from short-term symptoms to long-term problems, helping to raise awareness and protect the health of workers.
1. What is Azinphos-methyl?
The chemical formula C10H12N3O3PS2 represents a chemical compound belonging to the organophosphate group. This compound is commonly used in agriculture as a pesticide to control various pests on crops. Azinphos-methyl works by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve synapses, causing toxic effects on the nervous system of insects.
The chemical properties of Azinphos-methyl allow it to dissolve in water and organic solvents, which helps it to easily permeate the environment and agricultural products.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Azinphos-metyl | Azinphos-methyl | 29241900 | 86-50-0 | C10H12N3O3PS2 |
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2. Where does Azinphos-methyl originate from in the production process?
The source of Azinphos-methyl during the production process primarily comes from its use as a pesticide in agriculture. When applied to crops, Azinphos-methyl can decompose or be released into the environment through processes such as runoff from rain or irrigation, leading to its spread in soil and water. This can create a closed loop, where crops absorb the compound through their roots and accumulate it in various parts of the plant.
Additionally, during the production and processing of agricultural products, Azinphos-methyl can be released into the air as gas or dust. This exposure not only affects workers in factories but can also spread to the surrounding environment, affecting other areas.

3. Industries that use Azinphos-methyl in production
In agricultural production, the pesticide Azinphos-methyl is used primarily to control pests on many different types of crops. The fruit and vegetable growing sector is one of the areas that commonly uses this chemical to protect crops from harmful insects, thereby ensuring productivity and product quality. Fruit farms also often apply Azinphos-methyl to maintain the healthy growth of trees and prevent pest infestations.
In addition, Azinphos-methyl is also used in the food processing industry. During processing, if not completely removed, this compound can remain as a residue in the final product, posing a potential health risk to consumers. Food processing plants need to pay attention to monitoring and testing the residue levels of Azinphos-methyl in their products to ensure food safety.
Besides agriculture and food processing, Azinphos-methyl may also appear in other industrial sectors such as the production of construction materials or chemical products. In these industries, Azinphos-methyl may be used as part of the production process or in protecting products from attacks by insects and microorganisms.
4. How does Azinphos-methyl affect workers?
Exposure to Azinphos-methyl can cause many negative effects on the health of workers, especially in industries related to agriculture and food processing. This compound, when entering the body through the respiratory tract, skin, or digestion, can cause acute poisoning symptoms. Workers may experience nausea, dizziness, headaches, and even seizures in severe cases. These symptoms are signs of cholinesterase enzyme inhibition, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the nervous system, which causes abnormal reactions.
In addition to short-term symptoms, the long-term effects of Azinphos-methyl on workers’ health cannot be ignored. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to this compound can lead to problems with the nervous system and immune system. Those who regularly work in environments with high concentrations of Azinphos-methyl are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses, and digestive problems.
In particular, sensitive groups such as pregnant women and children may face more serious risks when exposed to Azinphos-methyl. For pregnant women, this chemical can affect fetal development, causing birth defects or developmental problems later on. Children, due to their immature immune and nervous systems, are also more vulnerable when exposed to this toxic compound.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Azinphos-methyl for human exposure
Determining the permissible safe concentration of Azinphos-methyl for human exposure is crucial to protecting the health of workers and the community. Health and occupational safety organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have issued specific guidelines on the maximum permissible concentration of this compound in the work environment as well as in food.
The safe concentration of Azinphos-methyl in the air is typically set at 0.1 mg/m³ under normal working conditions. However, studies show that even at this concentration, long-term exposure can still cause potential health effects. Therefore, many countries recommend implementing measures to minimize exposure, such as improving ventilation in the workspace and using personal protective equipment.
For the residual concentration of Azinphos-methyl in food, the maximum permissible level is also clearly defined. According to FDA regulations, the concentration of Azinphos-methyl in food products should not exceed 0.1 ppm (parts per million). This is to ensure that when consuming food, consumers will not be affected by this toxic chemical.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Azinphos-methyl. 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 Azinphos-methyl on workers
To minimize the impact of Azinphos-methyl on workers’ health, implementing safety and risk management measures is essential. One of the most important steps is to raise awareness and provide training to workers about the risks associated with exposure to this chemical. A clear understanding of the health effects and prevention methods will help workers better protect themselves in the work environment.
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers is another important measure. This equipment can include respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and safety glasses, which help prevent direct contact with Azinphos-methyl. In addition, maintaining an effective ventilation system in the work area will help reduce the concentration of the chemical in the air, thereby limiting the risk of inhalation.
Implementing strict hygiene procedures also plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ health. After working with Azinphos-methyl, workers must wash their hands and change their clothes to avoid carrying the chemical out of the work area. This not only protects their personal health but also prevents contamination of the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, conducting regular health check-ups for workers is also necessary. Through these examinations, early signs of poisoning or health problems related to Azinphos-methyl can be detected, allowing for timely intervention. Finally, monitoring and adjusting production processes should also be carried out to ensure that the use of Azinphos-methyl is as safe and effective as possible.
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 environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level 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 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 assists 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 become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
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8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Quotation
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
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