Cancer
Cancer caused by inhaling glue fumes
Apr
People working in industrial environments or frequently exposed to toxic chemicals face the risk of serious diseases, especially cancer. Among them, cancer caused by inhaling adhesive fumes is one of the main concerns for manufacturers and workers exposed to chemical-containing products.
The terrifying consequences of cancer not only affect personal health but also impact the lives and futures of patients and their families. Therefore, understanding and raising awareness about cancer caused by inhaling adhesive fumes is extremely important.
1. What is adhesive?
Adhesive is a chemical solution in the form of a polymer-based glue that can harden into a thin film and bond different materials together.
Components in adhesive:
- Industrial adhesives vary in properties, including water-based adhesives, solvent-based adhesives, heat adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc. Depending on technical requirements and application environments, these adhesives can be used independently or combined to achieve optimal bonding properties.
- Film-forming agents: The main component of adhesives, determining adhesion, cohesion, and basic physical-chemical properties.
- Solvents: Dissolve the film-forming agent and reduce the viscosity of the adhesive, such as alcohol, acetone, benzene, gasoline, etc.
- Plasticizers: Reduce shrinkage and increase elasticity, reducing internal brittleness during hardening. Excessive plasticizer may reduce adhesive strength and heat resistance.
- Hardeners and curing catalysts: Convert adhesive from a film to a stable solid, forming a network structure to increase strength and thermal stability. The type of hardener depends on the film-forming agent.
- Fillers: Reduce shrinkage, increase bonding strength, reduce slipping between surfaces, improve precision, and lower material costs.
2. Occupations exposed to adhesive
Adhesives are widely used in various industries. Some occupations that use adhesives include:
- Shoe and leather manufacturing: Adhesives are used to bond leather, rubber, and fabric materials in shoe production.
- Automotive industry: Adhesives are used to bond different parts of vehicles.
- Wood and furniture manufacturing: Adhesives are used to bond wood panels, MDF, and other materials.
- Electronics manufacturing: Adhesives are used to bond electronic components.
- Shipbuilding and maritime industry: Adhesives are used to bond metal sheets and composite materials.
- Medical product manufacturing: Adhesives are used to bond medical parts and products, such as tapes and protective materials.
- Toy manufacturing: Adhesives are used to bond parts and materials in toy production.
Additionally, adhesives are used in packaging, heat-resistant products, load-bearing products, and many other industries.
3. Causes of cancer from inhaling adhesive fumes
Exposure to adhesive fumes can cause cancer due to toxic chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. These substances can be inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the body. Long-term exposure can cause health effects, including various types of cancer.
Benzene is a toxic compound used in many industrial adhesives. Long-term inhalation may cause lymphoma and leukemia.
Formaldehyde is another toxic compound in many industrial adhesives. Long-term inhalation may cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Other chemicals in adhesives may also cause respiratory issues, skin and eye damage, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
4. Types of cancer from inhaling adhesive fumes
Exposure to adhesive fumes can cause different types of cancer depending on the composition and duration of exposure. Common cancers linked to adhesive fumes include:
- Lung cancer: Long-term inhalation of adhesives containing benzene and formaldehyde increases the risk.
- Lymphoma: Adhesives containing benzene can lead to lymphoma with prolonged exposure.
- Skin cancer: Long-term exposure can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and in some cases, skin cancer.
- Leukemia due to benzene-containing adhesive fumes.
Note that not everyone exposed will develop cancer. Health effects depend on exposure duration, intensity, and adhesive composition.
5. Early symptoms of cancer from inhaling adhesive fumes
Early detection is crucial to timely treatment and improving survival. Symptoms are often hard to detect in early stages. Some possible symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
- Coughing, phlegm, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue, sudden weight loss.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Nausea and digestive issues.
- Swelling or pain in body areas.
- Skin changes such as darkening, redness, or itching.
Those frequently exposed should undergo regular health checkups and consult a doctor for any suspicious signs.
6. Treatment methods for cancer from inhaling adhesive fumes
Treatment depends on the type and severity of cancer. Common treatments include:
- Surgery to remove or reduce tumors.
- Anti-cancer medications to shrink tumors or prevent growth.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
Other treatments, such as stem cell therapy, thermal therapy, or ultrasound therapy, may be used depending on the case.
Prevention is essential: avoid exposure, use protective equipment, reduce exposure time, and raise health awareness.
7. Support policies for people with cancer from adhesive fumes
In Vietnam, support policies include:
- Healthcare support under health insurance law covering medical costs, treatment, drugs, equipment, rehabilitation, and psychological support.
- Priority cancer screening programs for exposed workers.
- Financial support from charities and hospital cancer funds.
- Government and health organizations providing information on prevention and treatment.
Support is still limited and needs improvement to help patients with treatment and recovery.
8. Measures to improve the workplace to prevent cancer from adhesive fumes
Preventive measures include:
- Provide protective equipment: masks, gloves, clothing, goggles, etc.
- Improve ventilation: air conditioning, fans, and exhaust systems.
- Regular cleaning of work areas to maintain air quality and reduce harmful substances.
- Employee safety training on reducing exposure and using protective gear properly.
- Regular workplace environmental monitoring to measure harmful factors and reduce occupational disease risks.
Improving the work environment is a key measure to protect workers from adhesive-related cancer.
9. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. Experienced monitoring specialists use modern equipment ensuring accurate and reliable results.
The center also supports clients with planning, management, and follow-up of workplace environmental issues. With the motto “Customer First,” Nam Viet ensures client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions.
The center’s objectives:
- Prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
- Provide the best and most suitable services to clients.
- Leverage experienced engineers and specialists aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Clients receive professional service with monitoring experts and the best cost benefits.
10. Workplace environmental monitoring service pricing
Nam Viet provides detailed pricing for monitoring services to help businesses monitor the workplace professionally and effectively.
- Our pricing table provides detailed information including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of reports.
- We offer competitive and reasonable prices, with fast and professional consulting on services.
- Clients can choose suitable service packages, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
