Chlorobenzilate (C16H14Cl2O3) is a hazardous chemical often used in manufacturing, but its impact on workers’ health is not widely recognized. Let’s explore the potential dangers and how to protect your health when exposed to this chemical in the workplace.
1. What is Chlorobenzilate?
Chlorobenzilate is a chemical compound belonging to the group of halogenated aromatic esters, with the chemical formula C16H14Cl2O3. It is a white or pale yellow solid, commonly used in industries such as agrochemicals and textile dyeing. With a molecular structure that includes two chlorine atoms, an ester group, and a benzene group, chlorobenzilate can have a strong impact on living organisms with long-term exposure.
This compound is known not only for its toxicity to animal species but also for the potential risks it poses to human health with direct contact during production. The presence of two chlorine atoms in its molecular structure makes chlorobenzilate highly stable, but it can also cause dangerous chemical reactions in the work environment if not used and stored correctly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Clobenzilat | Chlorobenzilate | 29181800 | 510-15-6 | C16H14Cl2O3 |
See more: Chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Chlorobenzilate originate from in the production process?
During the production process, chlorobenzilate can be generated from stages where this chemical is used as a raw material or during the processing of products containing it. This chemical is primarily used in the agricultural industry as a plant protection agent, but it also appears in factories manufacturing pesticides, textiles and dyes, and other industries.
In manufacturing plants, chlorobenzilate can be released during the mixing, formulating, or direct application stages. These processes often create dust or vapors of chlorobenzilate, posing a danger to workers without adequate protective measures. Furthermore, during storage and transportation, leaks or spills of the chemical can also increase the potential for chlorobenzilate to be released into the air and the work environment.
Particularly in textile dyeing plants, where chemical compounds containing chlorobenzilate are used to dye fabrics, direct contact with this chemical is unavoidable. Without proper ventilation and chemical handling systems, chlorobenzilate can easily disperse and harm the health of workers.

3. Industries that use Chlorobenzilate in production
Chlorobenzilate is widely used in several manufacturing sectors, particularly in agriculture and the textile dyeing industry. In agriculture, this compound is often applied as a pesticide to protect crops from various pests and harmful insects. Chlorobenzilate has properties that can kill bacteria and prevent fungal growth, helping to increase the yield and quality of agricultural products. However, its use in these activities also increases the risk of workers being directly exposed to this toxic chemical.
Besides agriculture, chlorobenzilate is also used in the textile dyeing industry, where it acts as an additive in fabric dyeing processes. Dye products containing chlorobenzilate may be used in the production of clothing, canvas, and many other textile products. Workers in textile dyeing plants may be exposed to this chemical through vapors, dust, or waste from the dyeing process.
Furthermore, chlorobenzilate is also present in some other industries, such as the production of wood preservatives and in industrial applications for material treatment. However, in all these industries, the presence of chlorobenzilate is always accompanied by risks to workers’ health if proper safety and control measures are not in place.
4. How does Chlorobenzilate affect workers?
Exposure to chlorobenzilate can cause many adverse health effects for workers, especially with long-term contact or without appropriate protective measures. When inhaling dust or vapors of chlorobenzilate in the air, workers may experience respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and inflammation of the respiratory tract. These effects can be more severe with continuous and prolonged exposure.
In addition, chlorobenzilate can also cause skin damage upon direct contact, leading to irritation, redness, itching, and dermatitis. If not treated promptly, direct contact with this chemical can lead to more serious dermatological problems, including infections or ulcers.
In the long term, chlorobenzilate can affect the nervous and endocrine systems of workers. Studies show that chemicals in the halogenated aromatic esters group, such as chlorobenzilate, can impair neurological function, cause cognitive disorders, loss of concentration, and even affect reproductive capabilities. Moreover, continuous exposure to chlorobenzilate can also increase the risk of developing cancer due to the toxic nature of these compounds.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Chlorobenzilate for human exposure
The safe concentration of chlorobenzilate for human exposure depends on many factors, including the duration of contact and occupational safety measures. International health and safety agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regularly establish permissible exposure limits to protect workers’ health.
According to international standards, the maximum permissible exposure level for chlorobenzilate in the workplace air is usually calculated in parts per million (ppm). Although not all standards are the same across countries, the maximum exposure limit for chlorobenzilate typically ranges from 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm. This means that workers should not be exposed to chlorobenzilate levels exceeding these thresholds during a work shift to avoid adverse health effects.
In addition to air concentration, exposure through the skin or open wounds must also be strictly controlled. Protective measures such as protective clothing, gloves, and masks are essential to minimize the risk of direct contact with chlorobenzilate. Along with this, monitoring and checking the level of the chemical in the air is an indispensable part of any occupational safety program.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Chlorobenzilate. Organizations like 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 Chlorobenzilate on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of chlorobenzilate on workers’ health, applying preventive and protective measures is extremely important. First and foremost, providing workers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is a prerequisite. Workers must wear protective clothing, gloves, masks, and safety goggles to minimize direct contact with the chemical. Especially in areas with high concentrations of chlorobenzilate, using ventilation and dust extraction systems to clean the air is essential to reduce the accumulation of this chemical in the work environment.
In addition, training and raising awareness among workers about the risks associated with chlorobenzilate also play a crucial role in mitigating its effects. Workers need to be instructed on how to use personal protective equipment, how to recognize signs of chemical exposure, and emergency procedures in case of an incident.
Controlling the work environment is also an indispensable factor. Factories and production facilities need to ensure that the level of chlorobenzilate in the air always remains within the permissible safe limits. This can be achieved through air quality monitoring systems, chemical concentration measurement devices, and the implementation of measures to improve working conditions. At the same time, there should be clean hygiene procedures, including cleaning work areas, equipment, and tools that may come into contact with chlorobenzilate.
Finally, workers need to undergo regular health check-ups to promptly detect any signs of chlorobenzilate’s effects, especially issues related to the respiratory, skin, and nervous systems. These measures will contribute to protecting workers’ health and ensuring that the risks from exposure to chlorobenzilate are minimized as much as possible.
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 work environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and then adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Work Environment Monitoring Center
The Work Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of work environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORK ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, addressing, and tracking work environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is dedicated to customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With its investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, the Nam Viet monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in the field of work environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
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- By choosing the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also receive the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Work Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct work environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our clients a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for work environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Clients can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
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- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, clients can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of satisfaction through our professional quality service.

