Working environment factors
How does Chlorine Dioxide affect workers’ health?
Dec
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but few people know that it can cause serious health effects for workers. This article will help you understand the impact of ClO2 on health and how to protect workers when dealing with this chemical.
1. What is Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2))?
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a chemical compound with the formula ClO2, consisting of one chlorine (Cl) atom and two oxygen (O) atoms. It is a pale yellow or light green gas in its free state, with strong oxidizing properties and is easily decomposed. ClO2 is known primarily for its disinfecting, bactericidal, and deodorizing properties, so it is often used in the water treatment, paper, and chemical industries.
Chlorine dioxide is an unstable molecule, easily decomposed into other compounds such as chlorine (Cl2) and oxygen (O2) when exposed to factors like high temperature or strong light. However, at low concentrations and under appropriate storage conditions, ClO2 can exist and be used effectively in many industrial applications.
Although ClO2 is primarily known for its role as a disinfectant and sanitizer, its potential danger upon direct contact with humans and the environment is also an important issue. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, ClO2 can cause irritation and damage to body tissues if not used correctly, especially when working in high-concentration environments.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Clo dioxit | Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) | 28530000 | 10049-04-4 | ClO2 |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) originate from in the production process?
During the production process, ClO2 gas is primarily generated through chemical reactions between substances such as sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and an acid (usually hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid). When these substances react, the reaction releases ClO2 in gaseous form. This reaction occurs under controlled conditions to produce ClO2 gas without generating dangerous byproducts like chlorine gas (Cl2).
In addition, in the processing, paper manufacturing, and water treatment industries, ClO2 can be produced in chemical reactors where components like sodium chlorite are mixed with a strong acid. After ClO2 is generated, it is often collected and used immediately for disinfection or bleaching applications in the production process.
In some cases, ClO2 can also be formed by the decomposition of chlorine-containing compounds under the influence of high temperatures or other oxidizing factors in the production environment.
3. Industries that use Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) in production
Chlorine dioxide is widely used in many industries, especially in fields requiring disinfection, sterilization, and bleaching. In the pulp and paper industry, it is used to bleach wood pulp, helping to improve product quality and reduce environmental pollution compared to traditional bleaching methods. Thanks to its strong oxidizing properties, it can break down organic substances, helping to clean and improve the color of paper products without leaving harmful compounds.
In addition, in the water treatment industry, especially in drinking water and wastewater systems, Chlorine dioxide is an effective disinfectant that helps kill bacteria and viruses without creating dangerous byproducts like when using chlorine. The disinfection process with Chlorine dioxide helps improve water quality, ensuring safety for users.
In the food and food processing industry, Chlorine dioxide is also used to clean food-contact surfaces, including processing equipment and packaging. It helps to kill bacteria and eliminate microorganisms that can be harmful to consumer health.
Besides these common applications, Chlorine dioxide is also used in the chemical industries to produce other compounds, in the medical field for sterilization, and in processes for deodorizing and air purification.
4. How does Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) affect workers?
Exposure to Chlorine dioxide can cause serious health effects for workers, especially when working in environments with high concentrations or lacking safety measures. When this gas is inhaled, workers can experience respiratory irritation, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and a burning sensation in the throat. In cases of prolonged exposure, the symptoms can become more severe, leading to chronic bronchitis or other lung diseases.
Chlorine dioxide can also cause skin and eye irritation. When in direct contact with the skin, it can cause mild to severe burns, depending on the concentration and duration of contact. For the eyes, this substance can cause redness, itching, and a burning sensation, and even corneal damage if not treated promptly.
In addition to physical effects, working in an environment containing Chlorine dioxide can also affect the nervous system of workers. Long-term or high-concentration exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. In severe cases, the long-term accumulation of this gas in the body can cause damage to the central nervous system.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Chlorine dioxide for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations. According to international standards, the maximum concentration of ClO2 gas in the air should not exceed 0.1 parts per million (ppm) for long-term exposure. This is the permissible safe level in the work environment to minimize the risk of harm to workers’ health.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that the concentration of ClO2 in the air should not exceed this threshold to ensure it does not adversely affect the respiratory system, skin, or eyes of workers. When the concentration exceeds the permissible level, workers may face health problems such as respiratory irritation, bronchitis, skin and eye damage, as well as other symptoms related to long-term exposure to the toxic gas.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Chlorine dioxide. 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 health effects of Chlorine dioxide (Chlorine oxide (ClO2)) on workers
To minimize the health effects of Chlorine dioxide on workers, a series of preventive and protective measures must be implemented in the workplace. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of ClO2 gas in the air. Maintaining the gas concentration at a low level, below the regulated threshold (0.1 ppm), is the most effective way to protect workers from its harmful effects. Powerful and properly designed ventilation systems in work areas where ClO2 is used are essential, helping to circulate air and minimize the accumulation of toxic gas in the workspace.
Besides controlling the work environment, equipping personal protective equipment is a crucial factor. Specialized respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and full-body protective gear help workers avoid direct contact with ClO2 gas, protecting their eyes, skin, and respiratory system from negative impacts. In particular, the types of respirators must be selected and used appropriately for the gas concentration level at the workplace.
In addition, organizing training sessions on occupational safety and providing guidance on the proper use of personal protective equipment for workers is very important. Workers need to be fully equipped with knowledge about the health risks related to ClO2 and the methods for handling emergency situations such as poisoning or exposure to the toxic gas.
Finally, periodic health monitoring and early detection of symptoms caused by exposure to ClO2 are also essential. Medical facilities can conduct health checks for workers in environments where ClO2 is used to promptly detect any abnormal signs and provide appropriate treatment measures, ensuring long-term health and safety for workers.
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 compliance with safety rules.
Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet 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 assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s 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 workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment 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. 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 provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
