Occupational disease
Occupational arsenic poisoning
Apr
Arsenic is a metalloid with a silvery-gray color and is highly toxic in compound form. In nature, arsenic is found in the sedimentary layers of the Earth’s crust, so it is often present in groundwater and surface water.
Arsenic is a poison, four times more toxic than mercury. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the European Union (EU) recognize it as a Group 1 carcinogen.
1. What is occupational arsenic poisoning?
Occupational arsenic poisoning occurs from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin of large amounts of dust, fumes, or mist during ore processing, production, and use of arsenic compounds.
In Vietnam, there have been several cases of death due to acute or chronic arsenic poisoning in non-ferrous metal companies. The number of chronic cases treated at general hospitals each year continues to increase, and some cases have been confirmed to cause irreversible damage.
In reality, the number of arsenic poisoning cases is very high, but due to lack of awareness or recognition, many cases are overlooked. Particularly, those working in mining and free tin or gold smelting have a high rate of chronic arsenic poisoning if not diagnosed and treated in time.
2. Occupations at risk of arsenic poisoning
Occupations at risk of arsenic poisoning include:
- Mining and metallurgy industries, especially non-ferrous metallurgy, as arsenic is present in tin, gold, and manganese ores. Depending on the work process, exposure to arsenic may occur. Particularly in metallurgy, high arsenic content in ores can vaporize during smelting, causing occupational contamination and acute or chronic poisoning for workers.
- Battery production: arsenic is commonly used in battery manufacturing to increase battery durability, especially in Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
- Pesticide production: arsenic and its compounds are widely used in herbicides and pesticides.
- Ceramic production: arsenic is used as an additive to create special colors in ceramic products, typically via compounds like arsenic oxide during firing.
- Glass production: arsenic is used to produce blue-colored glass.
- Pharmaceutical production: arsenic is used in certain medications, especially in some cancer treatments.
Workers in these industries need proper personal protective equipment and must follow occupational safety regulations to reduce the risk of arsenic poisoning.
3. Mechanism and causes of arsenic poisoning
Arsenic poisoning occurs due to gradual accumulation of arsenic in the body over a long period, causing damage to cells and tissues by affecting oxidation and reduction processes.
Arsenic enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Inside the body, arsenic is metabolized into toxic compounds that damage organs and cells. It can cause cell damage, impair cell functions, especially in the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Discover the Occupational Arsenic Poisoning Risk Calculator, a tool designed for detailed analysis of arsenic poisoning risk in the workplace. This tool provides reliable information for medical professionals and safety managers, offering preventive measures and supporting a safe and sustainable work environment.
4. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning
Symptoms vary depending on the level and duration of arsenic exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Acute poisoning:
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.
- Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Dehydration, reduced urination, low body temperature and blood pressure.
- Cramps and convulsions.
- Central nervous system toxicity (coma).
- Chronic poisoning:
- Initial symptoms: discomfort, abdominal pain, itching, joint pain, fatigue.
- Objective symptoms: diarrhea or constipation, skin rashes, swelling under the eyes, mucous membrane inflammation, gingivitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infections (runny nose, hoarseness, cough), conjunctivitis.
- Neurological symptoms: numbness, burning sensation, tingling, tremors, muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, limb paralysis. Multiple nerve inflammation is the main manifestation.
- Skin and mucous membrane damage: inflammation, ulcers, keratinization of palms and soles, skin darkening, hair loss.
- Liver failure, kidney inflammation and dysfunction.
Diagnosis of arsenic poisoning must be performed by medical professionals using specific symptoms and test results.
5. Effects of occupational arsenic poisoning
Occupational arsenic poisoning can cause multiple health issues:
- Cancer: skin, lung, bone, and malignant warts.
- Liver dysfunction due to inflammation and fatty degeneration.
- Kidney damage: impaired kidney function, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
- Nervous system damage: memory loss, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, anxiety, neuropathy causing paralysis or sensory disorders.
- Bone and joint problems: joint pain, reduced bone and joint strength, skeletal issues.
- Immune system impairment: arthritis, allergies, and immune-related problems.
- Fetal damage: arsenic exposure in pregnant women can cause malnutrition, miscarriage, and birth defects.
- Lung damage: pneumonia and chronic lung disease.
- Mental health issues: depression and anxiety.
6. Protective equipment to prevent arsenic poisoning
To prevent arsenic poisoning, protective equipment should minimize exposure:
- Protective masks to prevent inhalation of arsenic dust and fumes.
- Personal protective equipment including suits, gloves, safety shoes, and goggles.
- Ventilation systems to maintain clean air and reduce airborne arsenic.
- Partition walls to separate arsenic work areas from other zones.
- Regular health monitoring for workers in arsenic-exposed industries to detect symptoms early.
7. Compensation for workers with arsenic poisoning
In Vietnam, workers with arsenic poisoning are entitled to compensation under the Social Insurance Law:
- Medical insurance coverage for treatment and healthcare.
- Social insurance benefits according to the law.
- Compensation from employers if exposure was caused by unsafe materials or equipment.
- Occupational disease evaluation for insurance and support benefits.
Compensation can be difficult due to challenges in proving cause, so prevention through protective equipment and safety compliance is most effective.
8. Treatment of arsenic poisoning
Treatment depends on type and stage; there is no definitive method to remove arsenic. Treatments aim to reduce harmful effects:
- Eliminate the source of arsenic exposure.
- Treat symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and infections.
- Medication to bind arsenic for excretion under medical supervision.
- Support kidney function with dialysis, blood transfusion, or kidney transplant in severe cases.
9. Prevention of occupational arsenic poisoning
Preventive measures include:
- Use of PPE: masks, gloves, helmets, goggles, protective clothing.
- Control arsenic exposure: ensure proper production procedures and dust control systems.
- Clean, ventilated workplaces with access to clean water for washing.
- Periodic health checks including blood and urine tests.
- Worker education on arsenic hazards and protective practices.
10. Employer responsibilities in preventing arsenic poisoning
Employers must:
- Provide protective equipment and minimize arsenic exposure.
- Adjust production processes to reduce risk and ensure safe arsenic levels.
- Provide information and training on arsenic risks and prevention.
- Conduct regular health checks for exposed workers.
- Comply with occupational safety and environmental protection regulations.
- Support arsenic prevention activities in the community.
- Conduct workplace environmental monitoring and report results to improve working conditions.
11. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit providing monitoring and measurement services nationwide in Vietnam. With experienced environmental monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
12. Pricing for workplace environmental monitoring
Nam Viet provides detailed pricing for monitoring services to help businesses perform professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring.
- Includes costs for transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting.
- Competitive and transparent pricing, with prompt consultation and professional support.
- Flexible service packages tailored to client needs, ensuring satisfaction and quality.
