Working environment factors
How does Boron Trioxide affect workers’ health?
Mar
Diboron trioxide (B2O3) is a common chemical in the manufacturing industry, but few people know that it can cause serious effects on the health of workers. This article will help you better understand the risks and preventive measures when working in an environment where B2O3 is used.
1. What is Diboron trioxide?
Diboron trioxide, also known as boron trioxide, has the chemical formula B₂O₃. It is an inorganic compound of the elements boron and oxygen, existing as a white, transparent solid, usually in an amorphous glassy state. It is also known by other names such as boric oxide or boria.
Diboron trioxide has a molar mass of approximately 69.62 g/mol and a melting point ranging from 300°C to 700°C, with an average melting point of about 577°C. This compound can exist in three forms: one amorphous and two crystalline forms. The amorphous form is the most common, while the crystalline forms include the α and β forms, each with a distinct crystal structure and properties.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Boron trioxit | Diboron trioxide | 28100000 | 1303-86-2 | B2O3 |
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 Diboron trioxide originate from in the production process?
In the production process, Diboron trioxide (B2O3) is mainly created from the processing of boron-containing compounds, especially from borax (Na2B4O7·10H2O). When borax is heated to high temperatures, it decomposes to produce B2O3 along with other by-products such as sodium and its oxides.
In addition, B2O3 can also be produced from the glass manufacturing process, especially borosilicate glass, in which boron is added to improve the properties of the glass. This process involves heating boron-containing raw materials such as borax or boric acid in a high-temperature environment to create Diboron trioxide.
B2O3 can also appear in other chemical industries, where boron is used as a component in the production of auxiliary products or catalysts, and in metal processing procedures.
3. Industries that use Diboron trioxide in production
Diboron trioxide is widely used in many manufacturing industries, especially in the glass industry. In glass production, B2O3 plays a crucial role in creating borosilicate glass, a type of glass with high durability and good heat resistance, used in laboratory equipment, test tubes, and household products like cups and glasses.
Besides the glass industry, Diboron trioxide is also applied in the ceramics manufacturing industry. It helps to improve the durability and heat-resistant properties of ceramics, while also reducing the firing temperature during the production process. This compound is also used in the production of insulation materials and high-temperature resistant products.
B2O3 also appears in the manufacturing of additives for oils and greases, catalysts in chemical processes, as well as in the production of refractory materials. Furthermore, Diboron trioxide is also used in the metal processing industry, particularly in the production of aluminum alloys and in metallurgical processes to reduce friction and improve the properties of materials.
4. How does Diboron trioxide affect workers?
When workers are in an environment where Diboron trioxide is used, they may experience several negative health effects, especially with long-term exposure or under unsafe conditions. This compound can cause respiratory irritation if dust or vapors of B2O3 are inhaled, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat. Workers exposed to Diboron trioxide are at a high risk of developing pneumonia or serious respiratory problems without proper protective measures.
In addition to affecting the respiratory system, B2O3 can also cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. Prolonged contact with this compound can lead to dry, itchy skin, or even mild burns without protective measures. Moreover, studies suggest that Diboron trioxide may have adverse effects on the nervous system with excessive long-term exposure, although this effect has not been fully studied.
Some studies also indicate that inhaling large amounts of Diboron trioxide over a long period can lead to problems with lung function and the cardiovascular system. Symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, or difficulty breathing may appear if not controlled and addressed promptly.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Diboron trioxide for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Diboron trioxide (B₂O₃) for human exposure is regulated by international standards and guidelines. In Vietnam, Circular No. 10/2019/TT-BYT issued the National Technical Regulation on permissible exposure limit values for 50 chemical factors at the workplace. However, this list does not include specific information on the exposure limit for Diboron trioxide.
In the Netherlands, the occupational exposure limit for Diboron trioxide is set at 10 mg/m³ for an 8-hour workday. After reviewing relevant factors, an expert committee proposed a health-based exposure limit of 1 mg/m³ for an 8-hour workday, along with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 3 mg/m³ for 15 minutes.
These limits are intended to protect workers from the negative health effects of exposure to Diboron trioxide in the work environment. Adherence to these limits is necessary to ensure the safety and health of workers.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Boron trioxide. 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 Diboron trioxide on worker health
To minimize the effects of Diboron trioxide on worker health, preventive and protective measures are crucial in workplaces where this compound is used. First and foremost, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust-filtering masks, safety goggles, and gloves is necessary to prevent direct contact with B2O3. Dust masks help prevent the inhalation of fine Diboron trioxide particles, while safety glasses protect the eyes from dust or solutions that could cause irritation.
Secondly, improving the ventilation system in production areas is a key factor. Ensuring that the air in work areas is always well-circulated helps to reduce the concentration of Diboron trioxide in the air, thereby minimizing the inhalation risk for workers. Air filtration systems should also be installed and regularly maintained to ensure their effectiveness in removing harmful dust particles.
In addition, training and raising awareness about occupational safety for workers also play an important role. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about the health risks associated with Diboron trioxide and measures to protect themselves. Adherence to occupational safety regulations and correct implementation of protective procedures during work will significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases related to this chemical.
Finally, regular health check-ups for workers are very important to detect early signs of illness or health damage related to Diboron trioxide. Medical facilities can conduct respiratory function tests and monitor for signs of disease to ensure that workers’ health is best protected.
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.
