Working environment factors
How does chlorine (Cl2) affect workers’ health?
Jun
Chlorine (Cl2) is a volatile gas produced from many industrial processes, such as chemical production, paper manufacturing, and water treatment. During exposure to Cl2, workers may face serious hazards, ranging from irritation to more severe health issues. Conditions like bronchitis, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia are some of the problems that can occur when exposed to Cl2. The effects of Cl2 are not limited to physical health but also deeply impact the mental and emotional state of workers, causing stress and anxiety that affect not only personal health but also the safety and well-being of their families.
Given these unforeseen events and potential risks, let’s explore in detail the effects of Cl2 on workers’ health and the necessary preventive measures to protect them from these hazards.
1. What is Chlorine (Cl2)?
Chlorine is a chemical element in the periodic table with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17, typically existing as a diatomic molecule (Cl2). This element is a halogen, located in group 17, period 3 of the periodic table. Chloride ions are components of table salt and other compounds, common in nature, and essential for supporting most forms of life, including humans.
In its gaseous form, it is pale yellow-green, about 2.5 times heavier than air, has a strong pungent odor, and is highly toxic. As an elemental gas under standard conditions, Cl2 is a strong oxidizer used for bleaching and disinfecting, as well as an essential reagent in the chemical industry. Chlorine compounds are also commonly used in swimming pools to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
2. Sources of Cl2 in production
Cl2 can originate from various sources in industrial production. Some common sources include:
- Cl2 is a byproduct of the electrolysis of salt, where electricity separates sodium and chlorine from salt. This process, usually conducted in electrolysis plants, can generate large amounts of Cl2.
- Chemical industry: Cl2 is used in the production of chemicals such as caustic soda (NaOH), dyes, pesticides, plastics, and rubber.
- Water treatment: Cl2 is widely used to disinfect, purify, and deodorize water. Industrial water treatment and public water supply systems may add Cl2 to kill bacteria and ensure water quality.
The production of Cl2 must follow regulations and safety standards to protect workers’ health and the environment.
3. Industries with hazardous Cl2 exposure for workers
Several industrial sectors may pose a risk of Cl2 exposure, endangering workers’ health. Main industries include:
- Chemical industry: Workers in chemical plants, including those performing sodium chloride electrolysis, dye production, pesticide manufacturing, plastics, and rubber, may be exposed to Cl2 during production and transport.
- Water treatment industry: Workers involved in disinfecting and treating water using Cl2, such as water plant operators and technicians, may be exposed to chlorine during work.
- Paper and textile manufacturing: Cl2 may be used for bleaching and processing cellulose fibers. Workers in these industries can come into contact with Cl2 and related chemicals.
- Swimming pool maintenance: Cl2 is used to disinfect pool water, and workers may be exposed during monitoring and adjusting chlorine levels.
- Other occupations with potential Cl2 exposure.
In these industries, following safety regulations and using personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to reduce Cl2 exposure and protect workers’ health.
4. How Cl2 affects workers’ comfort
Cl2 can negatively affect workers’ comfort. Some effects include:
- Respiratory irritation: Exposure can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion, reducing worker comfort during work.
- Eye and skin irritation: Contact with eyes may cause redness and tearing; skin contact can lead to redness, itching, or burning sensations, affecting comfort.
- Psychological impact: Concerns about exposure and potential health effects can cause stress and anxiety, lowering workers’ mental comfort.
To protect worker comfort, a safe working environment and PPE are essential. Measures include working in well-ventilated areas, using masks, safety goggles, gloves, and following safety regulations and guidelines when handling Cl2.
5. Permissible Cl2 exposure limits in the workplace
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT National Technical Standards, the permissible exposure limits (PEL) for 50 chemical agents at the workplace are:
Table 1. Maximum allowable exposure limits for chemical agents in the workplace.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | English Name | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | TWA | STEL | IARC Toxicity Group |
| 16 | Chlor | Chlorine | Cl2 | 70.90 | 7782-50-5 | 1.5 | 3.0 | – |
6. Health effects of long-term Cl2 exposure
Long-term exposure to Cl2 can cause various health problems. Cl2 is a strong oxidizing gas that can irritate and damage the respiratory system, nervous system, and skin.
Symptoms and diseases caused by Cl2 exposure include:
- Respiratory system: bronchitis, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, pneumonia. Continuous exposure may cause long-term lung damage.
- Nervous system: headaches, insomnia, fatigue, memory loss, and potentially more severe neurological issues.
- Skin and eyes: burns, irritation, redness, itching, or even skin burns. Eye contact may cause redness, irritation, and impaired vision.
If you are exposed to Cl2 in a hazardous environment or experience related symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
7. Measures to minimize Cl2 health impacts
To reduce the impact of Cl2 on workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:
- Ensure proper ventilation systems to remove Cl2 and maintain airflow in the workspace.
- Equip workers with appropriate PPE to prevent direct Cl2 exposure.
- Train workers on protective measures so they can safeguard their health in hazardous environments.
- Follow safe work procedures when handling Cl2 according to regulations and guidelines.
- Conduct regular health checks for workers exposed to NH3 to detect any health issues early.
- Periodically perform workplace environmental monitoring to identify hazardous factors and adjust to prevent occupational diseases.
Preventive measures and strict safety procedures must be implemented to minimize Cl2 impact on workers’ health.
8. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced environmental monitoring specialists, the center uses modern instruments ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “Customer-Centric,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in occupational environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with objectives:
- Maintain brand reputation and service quality.
- Provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Work with experienced Masters and Engineers aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company receives professional service from experts in the field, along with cost-effective solutions.
9. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a pricing table for environmental monitoring services that is transparent and reasonable.
- The pricing table provides detailed information on monitoring service costs, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports.
- Nam Viet ensures competitive and fair pricing and offers fast, professional consultation for all monitoring service inquiries.
- With this pricing table, clients can easily select services that meet their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional-quality services.
