Working environment factors
How does Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) affect workers’ health?
Mar
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical commonly used in production, but few know that it can cause serious health effects for workers. This article will clarify the dangerous impacts of DEHP on health from long-term exposure in the workplace.
1. What is Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)?
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C24H38O4, commonly used as a plasticizer in the production of PVC plastic. DEHP is a diester of phthalic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, forming a molecule with a complex structure. In its pure form, DEHP is a clear, nearly colorless liquid with a slight odor and is insoluble in water, but it readily dissolves in organic solvents like oil and other organic solvents.
With a molecular weight of approximately 390.56 g/mol, DEHP can exist in three different isomers, depending on the spatial structure of the 2-ethylhexyl groups attached to the benzene ring of phthalic acid. However, in practice, DEHP is often used as a mixture of these three isomers.
DEHP is known for its ability to increase the flexibility and suppleness of PVC plastic, helping to improve the material’s mechanical properties and heat resistance. However, the use of DEHP also raises health concerns, as it can enter the body through the respiratory tract, digestion, or skin, leading to accumulation in the body and causing serious health problems.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Bis (2-etyl hexyl) phthalat (DEHP) | Bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | 29173200 | 117-81-7 | C24H38O4 |
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 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) originate from in the production process?
During production, the main source of DEHP comes from its use as an additive in the manufacturing of PVC plastic. Specifically, DEHP is added to PVC plastics to improve their flexibility and suppleness, making the material easier to bend, process, and more durable.
DEHP can be released throughout the processing and production stages, especially during the melting and mixing of PVC with chemicals. When PVC is heated or processed, DEHP can vaporize or be released as gas or fine particles into the air and water. Additionally, during the cutting, pressing, or processing of plastic products containing DEHP, small amounts of this substance can also be released into the environment, affecting the health of workers.
Although DEHP is not a major component in all plastic products, in many industrial applications, especially in the production of cables, insulation materials, and some consumer products, this substance remains an essential additive. Therefore, DEHP can be present in stages from raw material production to the finishing of the final product.
3. Industries that use Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in production
DEHP is widely used in many different manufacturing industries, especially those related to the production of PVC plastics. One of the most common industries is the manufacturing of electrical cables and insulation materials. In these products, DEHP acts as a plasticizer to make PVC soft and flexible, while also increasing the material’s heat resistance and durability.
In addition, the construction materials industry also uses DEHP, especially in the production of vinyl flooring, wall panels, water pipes, and insulation products. These products often require highly flexible and abrasion-resistant materials, for which DEHP is an important component to achieve these properties.
In the automotive industry, DEHP is also used in the production of plastic parts such as hoses, electrical wires, and insulating components. These are parts that require high durability and heat resistance, so the use of DEHP helps to improve the quality of these products.
Besides the industries mentioned above, DEHP is also found in the production of consumer goods such as children’s toys, food packaging, and medical products. However, due to concerns about the health effects of DEHP, its use in consumer and medical products is becoming increasingly restricted and more strictly controlled.
4. How does Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to DEHP in the workplace, this substance can seriously affect their health. People working in plastics manufacturing plants, especially during the processing and fabrication of products containing DEHP, are at risk of exposure to this substance through the air, skin, or even digestion if they do not follow safety measures.
DEHP is a volatile plasticizer, so when PVC containing DEHP is heated or mixed, the substance can be released into the air as vapor. Workers may inhale these particles or vapors, causing respiratory problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose and throat. In addition, long-term exposure to DEHP can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys, and even endocrine disorders, affecting fertility.
Direct skin contact with DEHP can also cause skin irritation, inflammation, or allergies. Especially in poorly protected environments, long-term contact with DEHP can lead to the accumulation of this substance in the body, causing chronic health problems.
In addition to physical health effects, workers exposed to DEHP may also experience mental health issues, such as anxiety or stress, especially if they are aware that they are working in an environment with high long-term health risks. These issues can affect work performance and the quality of life of the workers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of DEHP for human exposure depends on the regulations and recommendations of health and environmental protection organizations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum exposure limit for DEHP in the air at 0.1 mg/m³ in the workplace. This is the concentration level to which a worker can be safely exposed for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week without experiencing serious health effects.
However, this concentration may vary depending on the type of work, duration of exposure, and other factors such as personal protective measures. For environments with high exposure levels or for workers who work for long periods, strict adherence to safety standards regarding DEHP concentration is extremely important. These limit regulations are intended to protect the health of workers from the long-term risks associated with DEHP exposure, including effects on the nervous system, reproduction, and other internal organs.
In some countries, health organizations also recommend regular monitoring and testing of DEHP concentration levels in the workplace air to ensure that these limits are not exceeded and to take timely intervention measures if necessary.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). 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 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on worker health
To minimize the effects of DEHP on worker health, effective preventive and protective measures must be implemented. First of all, improving the ventilation system in production areas is very important. An effective ventilation system helps to reduce the accumulation of the chemical in the air, ensuring that the DEHP concentration remains at a safe level for workers.
In addition, providing adequate protective clothing, gloves, and masks to workers helps to minimize the risk of direct contact with the chemical, thereby protecting the skin and internal organs from DEHP penetration. Organizing occupational safety training courses, providing information on the health risks of exposure to this chemical and how to prevent them, is necessary to raise workers’ awareness.
Businesses also need to conduct regular health monitoring for workers to detect early signs of health effects and take timely action. Regular testing and monitoring of DEHP concentrations in the workplace air are necessary to ensure that safety standards for exposure levels are strictly adhered to. If the concentration exceeds the permissible level, mitigation measures such as limiting work time in areas with high chemical levels or replacing the chemical with safer alternatives must be applied immediately.
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.
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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:
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- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
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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.
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