Occupational disease
Occupational trinitrotoluene poisoning
Apr
During the development and existence of humans, explosives were invented very early. However, it took a long time before we understood their biological effects on the human body, particularly the chronic pathological conditions caused by components of explosives.
Defense facilities in our country often detect TNT levels in the workplace air exceeding allowable standards, causing many pathological signs in the nervous system, blood, liver, and many other organ systems.
1. What is occupational trinitrotoluene poisoning?
Trinitrotoluene is a chemical compound widely used in the military and various industries. Occupational trinitrotoluene (TNT) poisoning is a common occupational disease recorded in workers involved in the production and use of TNT.
In our country, many cases of TNT poisoning have been detected and assessed in defense factories and mining enterprises using explosives. TNT poisoning is usually chronic occupational exposure, occurring during production, usage, or storage…
2. Occupations at risk of trinitrotoluene poisoning
Industries involved in the production, transport, and use of trinitrotoluene (TNT) carry a high risk of TNT poisoning. Occupations exposed to TNT include:
- TNT production workers: Employees in TNT factories are exposed to chemical compounds and airborne contaminants during TNT production.
- Military personnel: TNT is widely used in the military, and soldiers and staff may be exposed while handling explosives or TNT-related equipment.
- Construction workers: TNT is used in construction activities, such as blasting for excavation or building tunnels and roads.
- Transport workers: Workers transporting TNT are at risk of exposure through explosives or TNT-related equipment during transportation.
Other occupations potentially exposed to TNT include laboratory staff, inspectors, and researchers involved in explosive development.
3. Mechanism and causes of trinitrotoluene poisoning
The mechanism of occupational trinitrotoluene (TNT) poisoning is believed to result from the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. TNT is water-insoluble and poorly soluble in common organic solvents, giving it the ability to accumulate in tissues and organs when inhaled or ingested.
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4. Symptoms of trinitrotoluene poisoning
Symptoms of occupational trinitrotoluene (TNT) poisoning vary depending on the exposure level and duration. Symptoms include:
- Long-term inhalation of TNT fumes may cause headaches and dizziness.
- TNT may reduce the body’s resistance, causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
- High TNT exposure can damage the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
- TNT may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.
- Nervous system effects: TNT can penetrate the nervous system, causing insomnia, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
- Skin inflammation, darkening, rashes at contact sites, with swelling and peeling.
Prolonged TNT exposure may also lead to liver, kidney, and immune system disorders.
5. Health effects of occupational trinitrotoluene poisoning
Occupational TNT poisoning can have many adverse effects on workers’ health, including:
- Respiratory system: Causes pneumonia and breathing difficulties, potentially leading to asthma and other respiratory diseases.
- Digestive system: Can cause gastritis, duodenitis, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain unrelated to meals.
- Nervous system: TNT can affect the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, headaches, dizziness initially, progressing to neurological problems affecting balance and motor control.
- Immune system: TNT exposure can reduce immunity, increasing susceptibility to immune-related diseases.
- Reproductive health: Can cause infertility or pregnancy complications.
- Anemia: TNT exposure can damage hematopoietic organs, reducing hemoglobin and causing pale skin and mucosa.
- Eye damage: Arc-shaped lens opacity forming irregular circular patterns.
Therefore, workers must follow safety regulations and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling TNT.
6. Complications of trinitrotoluene poisoning
Occupational TNT poisoning can cause several complications, including:
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
- Gastrointestinal infections.
- Nervous system disorders leading to loss of balance and impaired motor control.
- Reproductive health issues or infertility.
- Cancer: Long-term TNT exposure may lead to liver, lung, and bladder cancers.
To avoid complications, workers must follow safety regulations and use proper PPE when handling TNT.
7. Personal protective equipment for preventing trinitrotoluene poisoning
Workers in TNT environments should use the following PPE:
- Protective masks: To protect the respiratory system from fine particles and toxic TNT fumes.
- Safety goggles: To protect eyes from dust, fine particles, and accidental impacts.
- Gloves: To prevent skin contact with TNT.
- Protective jackets: Waterproof and durable, to protect the body from toxic substances.
- Safety shoes: Slip-resistant and sturdy, protecting feet from strong impacts.
- Air filters: To filter toxic TNT fumes before inhalation.
- Full-body protective suits: For high-risk environments, providing complete protection from TNT.
PPE should be used correctly and maintained regularly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
8. Compensation for workers with trinitrotoluene poisoning
In Vietnam, workers with TNT poisoning are entitled to social insurance and state health insurance benefits:
- Mandatory social insurance, including health and unemployment insurance, covers treatment costs, health recovery, lost income, and seniority reduction.
- Workers can claim compensation from employers if TNT poisoning results from safety violations or exposure to hazardous materials.
- Workers can also claim compensation from Vietnam Social Insurance if TNT poisoning is work-related but not caused by employer negligence.
Workers must provide proof of TNT poisoning and documentation to support compensation claims.
9. Treatment of trinitrotoluene poisoning
There is currently no specific treatment for TNT poisoning. Treatment focuses on symptom management:
- Symptomatic treatment: Manage cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, digestive and neurological disorders using medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Supportive treatment: Ensure balanced nutrition, sufficient energy, vitamins, and minerals. Respiratory exercises and regular physical activity can improve health.
Patients must also follow preventive measures to avoid further TNT exposure and complications. Consult a doctor if TNT poisoning is suspected.
10. Preventing occupational trinitrotoluene poisoning
To prevent TNT poisoning, workers should:
- Use full PPE: masks, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Follow established safety procedures during production, transport, and use of TNT.
- Receive training and supervision on TNT risks and preventive measures.
- Inspect materials for TNT contamination before contact.
- Maintain personal hygiene: wash hands, change clothes and shoes after work.
- Employers should monitor workplace environment regularly and report results to improve worker safety.
Organizations and government must enforce workplace safety through regulations, training, inspections, and compliance monitoring.
11. Employer responsibilities in preventing TNT poisoning
Employers are responsible for worker safety and environmental protection:
- Establish clear safety procedures for TNT handling, storage, transport, and access.
- Provide full PPE to protect workers from TNT exposure.
- Train workers on TNT risks and preventive measures, and supervise adherence to safety procedures.
- Inspect materials for TNT or contamination before use.
- Develop compensation policies for workers affected by TNT exposure.
Employers should comply with occupational safety and environmental regulations and continually update TNT preventive measures.
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