Working environment factors
How does Cresol affect workers’ health?
Mar
Cresol (C7H8O) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but long-term exposure to it can be hazardous to workers’ health. This article will analyze the health effects of cresol, from short-term to long-term symptoms, to help raise awareness and promote prevention.
1. What is Cresol?
Cresol, with the chemical formula C7H8O, is an organic compound belonging to the phenol group. It is known for its different isomeric forms, including ortho-cresol, meta-cresol, and para-cresol, depending on the position of the methyl group (CH3) on the benzene ring. Cresol is primarily produced from the refining of petroleum and is present in many industrial products, from disinfectants to detergents.
Cresol is a volatile and water-soluble compound, which allows it to easily enter the air and the environment, especially in chemical manufacturing plants or industries that use this chemical. With its strong chemical properties, cresol has the ability to kill bacteria, so it is widely used in disinfectant products, antiseptics, and industrial cleaners.
Despite its many industrial applications, cresol also poses health risks with long-term exposure. It can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even affect the nervous system if not handled properly in the workplace. A clear understanding of the chemical properties of cresol is necessary to identify potential risks and implement measures to protect the health of workers.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cresol | Cresol | 29071200 | 106-44-5; 108-39-4; 95-48-7 |
C7H8O |
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 Cresol originate from in the production process?
In industrial production processes, this compound often arises from chemical processes related to the distillation of petroleum and petrochemical products. It can be formed during the decomposition or reaction of phenolic compounds under high temperature and pressure conditions. Additionally, in factories producing plastics, detergents, dyes, or disinfectant products, this compound can also be created as a byproduct.
The production of chemicals from petroleum, especially in crude oil processing plants or during distillation stages, often leads to the creation of a certain amount of this compound. Besides, when petroleum products or synthetic plastics are processed, side reactions in the production equipment can also generate this compound, increasing the amount of cresol present in the production environment.
3. Industries that use Cresol in production
This compound is widely used in many industries, especially in the production of chemicals and consumer products. One of the largest users is the chemical industry, where this compound is used in the production of disinfectants, antiseptics, and industrial cleaners. With its strong bactericidal properties, it is a key ingredient in cleaning and deodorizing products in hospitals, laboratories, and food processing facilities.
In addition, this compound is also used in the plastics industry, particularly for phenolic resins. In the manufacturing of phenolic resins, this compound serves as a primary raw material, helping to create products with high durability and good heat resistance. These phenolic resin products are used in electrical equipment, insulation, and other industrial products.
Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry also uses this compound in the production of some types of antiseptics and disinfectants for skin and wounds. These products help prevent infection and protect the user’s health in necessary situations. In the food processing sector, this compound is also used as an ingredient in preservatives or additives, although this use must comply with strict safety regulations.
4. How does Cresol affect workers?
Exposure to this compound in the workplace can cause many adverse health effects for workers. When inhaling gas or vapor from this compound, workers may experience respiratory irritation symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and rhinitis. This condition can become more severe if the worker is exposed to cresol for a long time or in a high-concentration environment.
In addition to affecting the respiratory system, direct contact with the skin or eyes can cause severe irritation, leading to skin burns, rashes, or eye inflammation. In some serious cases, workers can be poisoned if they absorb a large amount of this compound through the skin or digestive tract. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
The nervous system can also be affected by long-term exposure to this compound. Workers may experience symptoms such as loss of concentration, fatigue, anxiety, and a decline in cognitive abilities. In more severe cases, long-term exposure can lead to neurological problems such as memory disorders or a decline in nerve function.
With these serious effects, protecting workers from direct or long-term exposure to this compound is extremely important in industries that use cresol.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cresol for human exposure
The safe concentration of cresol for human exposure in Vietnam is regulated in standards on occupational safety and environmental hygiene. According to the National Technical Regulation on Air Quality in the Workplace, the concentration of cresol in the air must not exceed 0.5 mg/m³ during an 8-hour work shift. This level is determined based on studies of the compound’s health effects on workers and workplace environmental factors. If the concentration exceeds this level, workers face the risk of developing respiratory diseases, skin irritation, and neurological problems.
Globally, agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also have similar regulations on the concentration limits of cresol in the workplace. In the United States, OSHA specifies that the concentration limit of cresol should not exceed 0.5 mg/m³ in the air over an 8-hour work shift. In addition, the WHO recommends that the concentration should not exceed this level to ensure no harm to the health of workers during their work. These standards aim to protect the health of workers and limit the adverse effects of cresol, especially with long-term exposure in the workplace.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cresol. 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 Cresol on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of cresol on workers, strict protection and prevention measures must be implemented in the workplace. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of cresol in the air. Ventilation and toxic gas extraction systems must be properly installed to maintain a well-ventilated workspace, reduce the concentration of the chemical in the air, and ensure it does not exceed the safe limit. These systems need to be checked periodically to ensure their effectiveness.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as specialized respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to limit direct contact with the chemical. This protective gear helps prevent cresol from coming into contact with the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, thereby minimizing the risk of harm. Occupational hygiene measures are also necessary, including changing protective clothing after each shift and immediately cleaning the body if exposed to the chemical.
Furthermore, training and raising awareness for workers about the health risks of cresol exposure is very important. They need to be instructed on how to recognize the signs of cresol poisoning and the measures to take when exposed. These training programs should also include instructions on how to use and maintain personal protective equipment, as well as first aid procedures in case of direct contact with the chemical.
Finally, implementing regulations on occupational health surveillance is an essential factor. Periodic health check-ups help to detect early symptoms of cresol poisoning, thereby allowing for timely treatment to protect the long-term 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.
