Working environment factors
How does Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affect workers’ health?
Nov
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (C24H38O4) is a common chemical in the manufacturing industry, yet few are aware of its potential risks to workers’ health. This article will explain how Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affects health and suggest ways to ensure safety in the workplace.
1. What is Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate?
The compound C24H38O4, also known as Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is a chemical substance belonging to the phthalate group, widely used in industry. It is a colorless, odorless liquid with good solubility in oil but is less soluble in water. This substance is primarily used as a plasticizer in the production of PVC plastic, helping to increase the product’s softness and durability.
A notable feature of this compound is its heat resistance and flexibility, making it a crucial component in the production of materials such as electrical cables, artificial leather, and other plastic products.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Bis(2-etyl hexyl) phthalat | Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate | 29173490 | 117-81-7 | C24H38O4 |
See more services: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the compound C24H38O4 is often created or released from industrial activities using PVC plastic. The main source of emission comes from adding this substance as a plasticizing component to improve the properties of the plastic. Industries such as the manufacturing of construction materials, plastic consumer products, and medical devices are the most common fields that use this compound.
Additionally, during the processing, cutting, or heat treatment of plastic products, a small amount of this chemical can vaporize or leak into the surrounding environment. This is particularly concerning in factories with inefficient ventilation systems or a lack of emission control measures, leading to the risk of direct exposure for workers.
3. Industries that use Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in production
The compound C24H38O4 is widely used in many industries due to its effective plasticizing properties. One of the most significant sectors is the PVC plastic manufacturing industry, where this chemical helps enhance the flexibility and heat resistance of products like plastic pipes, electrical cables, and construction materials.
The artificial leather and upholstery materials manufacturing industry also uses this compound to create soft, durable, and highly flexible products. In the medical field, this chemical is often used in the production of medical devices such as IV tubes, blood bags, and other plastic instruments, thanks to its ability to maintain durability and product safety.
Furthermore, the manufacturing of household goods, such as shower curtains, vinyl flooring, and other plastic products, also relies heavily on this compound to increase longevity and aesthetic appeal. In the automotive sector, C24H38O4 is used to produce interior parts like seats, mats, and insulating materials.
4. How does Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affect workers?
Workers exposed to the compound C24H38O4 during production may face numerous health issues. One of the most concerning impacts is on the respiratory system. Inhaling gas or dust containing this chemical in an unsafe work environment can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or bronchitis.
Besides that, long-term skin contact with this chemical can cause irritation or dermatitis, increasing the risk of chronic dermatological conditions. In particular, if appropriate protective gear is not used, the chemical can be absorbed through the skin and affect internal organs. Some studies also indicate that this compound can affect the endocrine and reproductive systems, potentially reducing fertility or causing hormonal disorders in workers.
Additionally, individuals working in environments with long-term, high-concentration use of this chemical are at risk of more serious health problems, such as liver and kidney damage.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate for human exposure
Determining the permissible safe concentration of C24H38O4 for human exposure is crucial for ensuring worker health in the workplace. International health and safety agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have issued guidelines on safe exposure levels for this compound.
According to current standards, the concentration of C24H38O4 in the air of the working environment should be controlled at the lowest possible level, with a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/m³. However, this level may vary depending on factors such as exposure duration, the method of contact (inhalation, skin contact, etc.), and the personal protective measures used by the worker.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. 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 minimize the health effects of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on workers
To minimize the health effects of C24H38O4 on workers, preventive and protective measures are essential. First and foremost, improving the ventilation system in production areas is one of the most important solutions. An effective ventilation system helps reduce the accumulation of the chemical in the air, ensuring the concentration of C24H38O4 remains at a safe level for workers.
In addition, businesses need to implement measures to control skin contact, such as providing adequate protective clothing, gloves, and masks for workers. This helps minimize the risk of direct contact with the chemical, thereby protecting the skin and internal organs from the intrusion of C24H38O4.
Furthermore, organizing occupational safety training courses, which provide information on the health risks of exposure to this chemical and how to prevent them, is necessary to raise workers’ awareness. Regulations on periodic health monitoring also need to be implemented to detect early signs of health effects and take timely action.
Finally, regular testing and monitoring of the C24H38O4 concentration in the work environment is necessary to ensure that safety standards for exposure levels are strictly followed. 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 should be implemented immediately.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on 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 occupational environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjust to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of occupational environmental quality in all provinces throughout Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, processing, and tracking occupational environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, the Nam Viet monitoring center has been and continues to be one of the reputable units in the field of occupational 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 our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- Together with a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By coming 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 cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, we at Nam Viet provide our valued customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation list for occupational environmental monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation list provides detailed information on the pricing of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our valued customers can be completely assured of 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 consult and answer any questions about our monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation list, our valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
