Working environment factors
How does Chloral Hydrate affect workers’ health?
Mar
Chloral hydrate (C2H3Cl3O2) is a hazardous chemical commonly used in manufacturing plants. This article explores the impact of chloral hydrate on the health of workers, especially the long-term effects on the body from regular exposure in the work environment.
1. What is Chloral Hydrate?
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Clo ral hydrat | Chloral hydrate | 29055900 | 302-17-0 | C2H3Cl3O2 |
See more: chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Chloral Hydrate originate from in the production process?
During production, chloral hydrate primarily arises from the reaction between chloral (CCl3CHO) and water. Chloral, a compound with strong oxidizing properties, is mainly produced through the chlorination of acetic acid or ethanol in the presence of a catalyst such as acid or heat. When chloral is exposed to water, it forms chloral hydrate, a combination of chloral and water, usually in solid or solution form.
Chloral hydrate can also be generated in other chemical production processes, such as when processing halogen-containing organic compounds or in the industries producing pesticides and plastics. In these manufacturing plants, the process of using chloral and halogen-containing compounds often leads to the formation of chloral hydrate as a byproduct or during the transformation steps of the production process.
Furthermore, in an industrial environment, if there is no control and treatment system for emissions or additives during production, chloral hydrate can arise from incomplete reactions or from the accumulation of chemicals that are not fully processed.
3. Industries that use Chloral Hydrate in production
Chloral hydrate is used in several industries and industrial production processes due to its special chemical properties. One of the main industries that uses chloral hydrate is in the production of plastics, especially epoxy resins. This chemical is used as an agent to regulate polymerization reactions, helping to create plastic products with high durability and stable physical properties.
Besides, chloral hydrate is also applied in the textile dyeing industry, where it is used as an intermediate in the production of various dyes and chemicals with properties that resist harmful agents during fabric processing. This chemical also plays an important role in the pesticide manufacturing industry, where it is used to synthesize some complex organic compounds.
In addition, chloral hydrate is also present in the production processes of other industrial chemicals, such as halogen-containing organic compounds, and in some pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. However, due to its toxic nature, the use of chloral hydrate must strictly comply with regulations on occupational safety and environmental protection.
4. How does Chloral Hydrate affect workers?
Chloral hydrate can cause many serious health effects for workers when exposed in the workplace. When inhaling vapor or coming into direct contact with this substance, it can adversely affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. In some cases, workers may feel light-headed, have reduced concentration, and it can affect their work performance.
In addition, chloral hydrate can also cause damage to the respiratory system, especially with long-term exposure or in conditions without ventilation. People working in an environment with the presence of this chemical may experience lung problems, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or even pneumonia. Prolonged exposure can also cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and nasal mucous membranes, leading to itching, redness, swelling, or pain.
Furthermore, chloral hydrate can also affect liver and kidney function if a worker is exposed to high doses over a long period. This is because this substance can accumulate in the body, leading to serious health problems related to the excretion and metabolism of toxic substances in the body. Long-term exposure to chloral hydrate not only threatens the health of workers but also poses risks of long-term diseases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chloral Hydrate for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of chloral hydrate for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety agencies around the world to minimize the risk of harm to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) and international occupational safety agencies such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have issued guidelines on the maximum permissible exposure levels.
In Vietnam, regulations on the exposure levels of chloral hydrate for workers are also clearly stated in occupational safety and industrial hygiene standards. The permissible concentration level of chloral hydrate in the air is an important part of these regulations, helping to protect workers from the adverse health effects caused by the chemical. However, the specific values for the permissible safe concentration may vary depending on the industry and work environment.
Globally, safe concentration levels are measured through the TLV (Threshold Limit Value) index, determined by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists). These organizations recommend that the concentration of chloral hydrate in the air should not exceed a certain level during the work period, to minimize the risk to the health of workers.
Depending on each country and region, the regulations and limits on this concentration level may differ, but they all share the common goal of protecting the health of workers from the long-term and serious effects of chemical exposure.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Chloral hydrate. 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 mitigate the effects of Chloral Hydrate on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of chloral hydrate on workers, strict protection and prevention measures must be applied in the workplace. First and foremost, controlling the level of exposure to this chemical is very important. Companies and manufacturing plants must ensure that the concentration of chloral hydrate in the air is always within the permissible safe limits, according to the regulations of health and occupational safety agencies.
Another important measure is to provide adequate personal protective equipment for workers. This includes the use of specialized respirators, gloves, safety goggles, and full-body protective clothing to minimize direct contact with the chemical. In addition, providing effective ventilation systems in areas where chloral hydrate is used helps to reduce the concentration of the chemical in the air, thereby limiting the inhalation of chemical vapors.
Besides, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks and preventive measures when working with chloral hydrate is a crucial factor in health protection. Workers need to be instructed on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure to this chemical, as well as emergency handling procedures if an incident occurs.
Finally, maintaining and periodically checking the waste and emission treatment systems during production is also a measure to reduce risk. Waste containing chloral hydrate needs to be treated properly to not pollute the environment and affect the health of 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 frequently to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize 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 Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of workplace environment quality 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 SERVICES
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 solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost incentives.
8. Price Quote for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our clients a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our price list provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all related costs for travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You 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 always ready to provide quick and professional consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, you can easily choose service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
