Working environment factors
How does Benzoquinone affect workers’ health?
Mar
Benzoquinone (C6H4O2) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but few know that it can seriously affect the health of workers. This article will explore the impact of benzoquinone on the human body and how to protect the health of those who work in this environment.
1. What is Benzoquinone?
Benzoquinone, with the chemical formula C₆H₄O₂, is an organic compound belonging to the quinone group, with a basic structure of a benzene ring where two hydrogen atoms are replaced by two carbonyl groups (-C=O). There are two main isomers of benzoquinone: 1,4-benzoquinone (also known as para-benzoquinone) and 1,2-benzoquinone (also known as ortho-benzoquinone).
Among them, 1,4-benzoquinone is the more common form, existing as yellow crystals with a characteristic pungent odor, similar to the smell of chlorine. It has a melting point of about 115°C and can sublimate at room temperature, creating volatile vapors and partially decomposing. 1,4-benzoquinone is readily soluble in solvents such as ethanol, ether, and alkalis, and slightly soluble in water.
Conversely, 1,2-benzoquinone is less common and less stable than 1,4-benzoquinone. It is a red, volatile solid that is soluble in water and diethyl ether. However, due to its instability, 1,2-benzoquinone is less used in industrial applications.
Benzoquinone is widely used in many fields, including the pharmaceutical industry, and the production of dyes and antioxidants. It also plays an important role in chemical reactions such as the Diels-Alder reaction, where benzoquinone acts as an electron acceptor.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Benzo quinon | Benzoquinone | 29146900 | 583-63-1; 106-51-4 |
C6H4O2 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Benzoquinone originate from in the production process?
During production, benzoquinone often arises from chemical reactions involving benzene compounds and carbonyl groups. One of the main sources of benzoquinone is from the oxidation of benzene or its derivatives, such as hydroquinone (C6H4(OH)2) and catechol (C6H4(OH)2). When these compounds are oxidized in an environment with the presence of oxygen or a suitable catalyst, they can be converted into benzoquinone.
In addition, in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants or dye production industries, benzoquinone can be formed during the synthesis of other chemical compounds. Particularly, in the production processes of plastics, rubber, or other industrial chemical products, benzoquinone can also be formed as a byproduct of chemical reactions.
With its volatile nature and solubility in solvents, benzoquinone can be generated and exist in the air, especially in production areas with high temperature and humidity, contributing to an increased health risk for workers exposed to this chemical.
3. Industries that use Benzoquinone in production
Benzoquinone is used in many different industries due to its special chemical properties. One of the main industries that use benzoquinone is the pharmaceutical industry. In this sector, benzoquinone plays an important role in the synthesis of medicinal compounds, especially in the production of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and active ingredients used in cancer treatment. In addition, it is also used in chemical research to create other complex organic compounds.
The dye and pigment manufacturing industry is also a field that uses benzoquinone extensively. This chemical serves as an important component in the synthesis of various dyes, especially those with characteristic colors. These applications are mainly found in the production of textiles, leather, and other dyed products.
Besides that, benzoquinone is also used in the rubber and plastics industry. During the production of synthetic rubber, it can be used as a catalyst or participate in necessary chemical reactions to create rubber products with special properties. Similarly, in plastics production, benzoquinone is used in some chemical reactions to create plastics with improved properties.
In addition, benzoquinone also appears in the chemical and electronic materials manufacturing industries, where it can act as an antioxidant, helping to protect materials from damage caused by oxidation.
4. How does Benzoquinone affect workers?
When workers are exposed to benzoquinone in the workplace, this chemical can cause many negative health effects. Initial symptoms may include skin and eye irritation, especially upon direct contact with the liquid or vapor form of benzoquinone. This effect often causes a sensation of itching, redness of the skin, and swelling.
In addition, when inhaling benzoquinone vapor in the air, workers may experience respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. These problems can become more serious with prolonged or continuous exposure. The respiratory system can be damaged, causing pneumonia or chronic lung diseases.
Benzoquinone can also affect the central nervous system. Workers may feel dizzy, have headaches, or feel tired when working in an environment where this chemical is present. These symptoms can become more severe with long-term exposure without appropriate protective measures.
Besides that, benzoquinone can also cause digestive problems. When accidentally ingested or exposed through the digestive tract, workers may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. These problems can lead to gastritis or other digestive disorders if not treated promptly.
The impact of benzoquinone on workers’ health is not limited to short-term symptoms but can also cause more serious long-term illnesses, especially with continuous exposure to high concentrations without protective measures.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Benzoquinone for human exposure
According to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 03:2019/BYT on permissible exposure limit values for 50 chemical factors at the workplace, benzoquinone is not listed. This may be due to a lack of research information on the toxicity level and health effects of benzoquinone on workers.
However, in chemical safety data sheets, benzoquinone is classified as a toxic substance and can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Therefore, it is necessary to apply personal protective measures when in contact with this chemical. In the absence of specific regulations on exposure limits, the concentration of benzoquinone in the air should be maintained at the lowest possible level, and current chemical safety guidelines should be followed.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Benzoquinone. Organizations such as 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 effects of Benzoquinone on worker health
To minimize the effects of benzoquinone on worker health, preventive and protective measures must be strictly applied at production facilities. One of the most important measures is the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves, to prevent direct contact with benzoquinone through the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. Special protective clothing should also be used to protect the body from contact with this chemical.
The ventilation system in work areas is a crucial factor that cannot be overlooked. It is necessary to ensure that the workspace is always well-ventilated, with an effective exhaust and air filtration system to minimize the concentration of benzoquinone in the air, helping to protect workers from inhaling particles or vapors of the chemical. This is especially important in factories or production facilities that use benzoquinone in their production processes.
In addition, training and instructing workers on safety measures when working with benzoquinone is very necessary. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about the health risks caused by benzoquinone and how to use protective equipment correctly. This will help them understand the importance of complying with safety regulations and minimizing risks at work.
Finally, regular health monitoring and surveillance for workers is an indispensable measure. Periodic medical examinations will help to detect early signs of illness caused by benzoquinone, allowing for timely intervention.
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 environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for 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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You can be completely confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
