Working environment factors
How does benzene affect workers’ health?
May
Benzene is one of the most dangerous hidden factors in the working environment. Despite its invisible and odorless appearance, benzene silently infiltrates the workspace, posing serious health risks to workers. With multidimensional impacts, benzene can cause severe consequences, especially occupational diseases, ranging from acute effects such as respiratory disorders and liver damage to prolonged and less noticeable impacts such as the risk of cancer.
Let’s explore the concerning effects of benzene on workers’ health and the protective measures we can apply to minimize these risks.
1. What is Benzene?
Benzene is an organic compound represented by the molecular formula C6H6. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and is flammable. Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a simple ring structure, consisting of a hexagonal ring of carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen atom and adjacent carbons. The bonds within the benzene ring are special and delocalized, giving this compound its distinctive chemical properties.
Benzene is an important compound in chemistry and industry. It is used as a solvent in many industrial processes and is also a precursor for manufacturing various organic compounds such as styrene, phenol, ethylbenzene, toluene, etc. Additionally, benzene naturally exists in substances like crude oil and coal. However, benzene is also toxic and carcinogenic, and it is considered a serious environmental pollutant.
2. Where does benzene originate from during production?
Benzene can originate from many sources during production and use. Below are some common sources:
- Benzene is a byproduct in the production of many organic compounds such as gasoline, crude oil, coal, PVC, synthetic rubber, phenol-formaldehyde resins, etc. During these processes, unwanted reactions or decomposition may occur, generating benzene.
- Incomplete combustion of organic substances such as gasoline, diesel, lubricants, and solid waste. This is a major source of airborne benzene from traffic and industrial pollution.
- Benzene is a natural component of cigarette smoke. When smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke, benzene can enter the lungs or be absorbed through the skin.
- Benzene may naturally form through the biodegradation of organic materials, such as plant roots or biological waste.
It is important to control and minimize benzene emissions to ensure human and environmental safety. Many regulations and control measures have been established to reduce benzene exposure and release during industrial processes.
3. Occupations with benzene exposure posing risks to workers
Benzene poses significant health hazards. Long-term exposure can cause severe health problems and occupational diseases. Below are some occupations with potential benzene exposure requiring strict safety measures:
- Petroleum extraction and processing.
- Production and refining of benzene-containing substances.
- Using benzene to synthesize derivatives.
- Manufacturing office supplies, footwear, plastics, and household goods.
- Using benzene as a solvent for degreasing bones, skin, fibers, wool, felt, metals, and oily tools.
- Producing rubber and using benzene-containing solvents to dissolve natural and synthetic rubber.
- Formulating and using varnish, paints, glazes, putty, printing ink, and preservatives containing benzene; producing artificial leather.
- Sizing fibers with benzene-containing products.
- Using benzene to dehydrate alcohol, liquids, and other substances.
- Other jobs involving benzene exposure.
Workers in these fields must follow safety measures and exposure control regulations to protect their health.
4. How benzene affects workers’ comfort
Exposure to benzene can negatively impact workers’ comfort:
- Effects on the nervous system, causing dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, etc. Long-term exposure can lead to sleep issues, increased stress, anxiety, mood changes, and reduced concentration.
- Effects on the respiratory system, causing irritation and inflammation, leading to coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, bronchitis, etc., reducing daily comfort and productivity.
- Effects on the circulatory system, causing bone marrow damage and reducing blood cell production, leading to fatigue, weakness, and reduced immunity.
- Cancer risks: Benzene is carcinogenic, particularly linked to leukemia. Long-term exposure increases cancer risks, affecting mental well-being and comfort.
5. Permissible benzene exposure levels at the workplace
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT – National Technical Regulation on allowable exposure limits of 50 chemical factors at workplaces.
Table 1. Maximum allowable exposure limits for chemical substances in the workplace.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | English Name | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | Work-shift Exposure Limit (TWA) | Short-term Exposure Limit (STEL) | IARC Toxicity Group |
| 9 | Benzene | Benzene | C6H6 | 78.12 | 78.12 | 5.0 | 15.0 | 1 |
6. What diseases can long-term benzene exposure cause?
Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to:
- Leukemia: Benzene can damage bone marrow and reduce blood cell production, weakening the immune system and increasing cancer risks.
- Circulatory disorders: Damage to bone marrow reduces blood cell production, leading to anemia, weakness, fatigue, easy bruising, and reduced immunity.
- Respiratory effects: Irritation and inflammation causing cough, shortness of breath, or pneumonia, affecting quality of life and comfort.
- Nervous system effects: Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, reduced concentration, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
7. Measures to reduce the impact of benzene on workers’ health
To minimize benzene exposure effects, the following measures should be applied:
- Risk assessment to determine exposure levels, identify benzene sources, and apply appropriate risk management measures.
- Ensure effective ventilation systems to remove or reduce benzene vapors.
- Use appropriate PPE such as masks, goggles, gloves, chemical-resistant clothing.
- Implement exposure control measures such as limiting time and intensity of exposure, improving processes and technology.
- Training for workers: Train workers on health protection measures when working with hazardous substances.
- Conduct periodic occupational environmental monitoring to analyze harmful factors and adjust risks to prevent occupational diseases.
8. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center of Nam Việt is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality nationwide. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern equipment ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center supports clients with planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered”, the center focuses on client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Việt’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in occupational environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following goals:
- We prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefits.
- By working with Nam Việt’s monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from industry experts, along with the best cost benefits.
9. Occupational environmental monitoring price list
To support businesses in performing professional and efficient workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Việt provides clients with a detailed service price list with reasonable costs.
- The price list includes full details of measurement, sampling, analysis, reporting, and travel costs. Clients can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
- We commit to offering competitive and reasonable pricing and are always ready to provide professional consultations for any inquiries.
- With Nam Việt’s monitoring price list, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with our professional-quality services.
