Working environment factors
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Affect Workers’ Health?
Nov
Benzoyl peroxide is a common chemical compound used in many skincare products, especially in the treatment of acne. However, few people know that benzoyl peroxide also affects the health of workers when they come into contact with it during production and use. This article will specifically analyze the effects of benzoyl peroxide on worker health, from occupational safety issues to potential negative impacts. At the same time, we will look at safety measures and risk management to minimize the negative impact of this substance on workers.
1. What is Benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide (C14H10O4) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C14H10O4, and it is commonly used in skincare products, especially in acne treatment products. It is an organic peroxide, in which two C=O oxidizing bonds are located within the benzene group. Benzoyl peroxide has the ability to release oxygen, creating a harsh environment for the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, contributing to the control of acne.
When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, removes dead cells and excess oil, helps cleanse pores, and prevents the development of acne. However, it should also be noted that the use of benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation for some people and requires caution during use.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Benzoyl peroxit | Benzoyl peroxide | 29163200 | 94-36-0 | C14H10O4 |
See more services: chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
2. What is the source of Benzoyl peroxide in the production process?
Benzoyl peroxide can be produced through the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons, usually toluene or cumene. Below is a general outline of the benzoyl peroxide production process:
- Hydroperoxide Formation:
- The first step involves creating a hydroperoxide, usually benzoyl hydroperoxide. This is typically done by oxidizing the appropriate hydrocarbon, such as toluene or cumene, in an acidic environment.
- Benzoyl Peroxide Formation:
- Then, the benzoyl hydroperoxide is converted into benzoyl peroxide through suitable reactions. This often involves applying heat and using catalysts.
- Separation and Purification:
- After formation, the product is separated and purified to ensure quality and purity.
3. Industries that use Benzoyl peroxide in production
Benzoyl peroxide is widely used in many industries due to its oxidizing and antibacterial properties. Here are some common industries that use benzoyl peroxide in their production processes:
- Skincare Products Industry:
- Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used in skincare products, especially in acne treatment creams and gels. It helps control oil, remove dead cells, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
- Paint and Printing Ink Industry:
- Benzoyl peroxide can be used as a bleaching agent in the printing ink and paint manufacturing industry.
- Rubber Industry:
- In rubber production, benzoyl peroxide is often used as a polymer initiator, helping to create high-durability rubber products.
- Silicone Rubber Industry:
- In silicone product manufacturing, benzoyl peroxide can be used as an initiator to form the silicone polymer network.
- Plastics Manufacturing Industry:
- In the plastics industry, benzoyl peroxide can be used as a polymer initiator to create plastic products with the desired hardness and elasticity.
- Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Benzoyl peroxide may also be used in some pharmaceutical products, mainly in topical medications and sunscreens.
- Food Processing Industry:
- In some cases, benzoyl peroxide may be used as an anti-contamination agent and preservative in the food processing industry.
Note that the use of benzoyl peroxide requires caution regarding occupational safety and risk management due to the oxidizing and irritating nature of this substance.
4. How does Benzoyl peroxide affect workers?
Benzoyl peroxide can affect the health of workers during production and use. Here are some issues that workers may face when exposed to benzoyl peroxide:
- Skin and Eye Irritation:
- Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin and eye irritation, especially when workers have direct contact with products containing it. This can lead to redness, itching, or irritation.
- Explosion Risk:
- Benzoyl peroxide in its pure form poses an explosion risk. This is particularly important during production, and workers need to follow safety measures to avoid explosive accidents.
- Occupational Safety:
- Working with benzoyl peroxide requires workers to adhere to occupational safety rules, including using personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Chemical Risk Management:
- Risk management measures must be established to minimize exposure to benzoyl peroxide. This includes training workers on the safe use and storage of this substance.
- Impact on the Respiratory System:
- In some cases, workers may face respiratory system problems if they inhale benzoyl peroxide vapor. Working in an environment with proper ventilation is important.
- Long-term Effects:
- If exposure is prolonged, there may be long-term effects on workers’ health, including skin and respiratory system problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Benzoyl peroxide for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of benzoyl peroxide for human exposure can vary depending on the product type and usage. Here is a general guide to common concentration levels in some skincare and cosmetic products:
- Acne Creams:
- In acne treatment creams, the concentration of benzoyl peroxide typically ranges from 2% to 10%. Products with lower concentrations are often recommended for people with sensitive skin.
- Acne Gels:
- Acne gels also commonly contain benzoyl peroxide at concentrations from 2% to 10%, depending on the specific product and intended use.
- Cleansers Containing Benzoyl Peroxide:
- In cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide, the concentration is usually lower, typically around 2.5% to 5%.
- Other Cosmetic Products:
- In some other cosmetic products, the concentration of benzoyl peroxide may vary. Depending on the product type and purpose, the concentration can range from 2% to 10% or even higher.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Benzoyl peroxide is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to mitigate the health effects of Benzoyl peroxide on workers
To mitigate the effects of Benzoyl peroxide on worker health, safety and risk management measures can be implemented. Here are some specific measures:
- Occupational safety training:
- Provide occupational safety training for all employees involved in the production and use of benzoyl peroxide. Ensure they understand the properties of this substance, the potential risks, and safe handling practices.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Require workers to use personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to protect skin and eyes from direct contact with benzoyl peroxide.
- Concentration Control:
- Implement strict control over benzoyl peroxide concentrations in the work environment. This may include using effective ventilation systems to minimize vapor and dust.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and manage risks effectively. This includes conducting risk assessments, establishing preventive measures, and having emergency response plans in case of incidents.
- Adherence to Usage Rules:
- Workers must strictly adhere to the usage rules specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and company safety regulations.
- Equipment Maintenance:
- Perform regular maintenance and checks on production equipment to ensure it functions correctly and does not pose unintended risks.
- Provide First Aid Facilities:
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- Provide first aid equipment such as eyewash stations and quick emergency response in case of accidental exposure to benzoyl peroxide.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide workplace environment monitoring center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in 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 ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “customer-centric”, the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment 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 our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Come to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best offers on costs.
8. Workplace environment monitoring quotation
To help businesses perform workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring 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. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to advise and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
