Working environment factors
How does Cyclohexyl Acetate affect workers’ health?
Mar
Cyclohexyl acetate (C₈H₁₄O₂) is a common industrial chemical, but few people know that it can pose a potential risk to the health of workers. With long-term exposure in a factory environment, this chemical can cause skin, respiratory, and neurological irritation. So how can you protect your health? Let’s find out!
1. What is Cyclohexyl acetate?
Cyclohexyl acetate, with the chemical formula C₈H₁₄O₂, is an ester formed from the reaction between cyclohexanol and acetic acid. This compound exists as a colorless liquid with a pleasant aroma, commonly used in industry as a solvent for resins, polymers, fats, and oils. Additionally, cyclohexyl acetate is also used in the production of fragrances and perfumes due to its characteristic scent.
Although it has many practical applications, cyclohexyl acetate can also pose risks if not used correctly. Long-term exposure to this chemical can affect the health of workers, especially the respiratory system and skin. Therefore, understanding the nature of cyclohexyl acetate is an important step to ensure safety during work and production.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cyclo hexyl axetat | Cyclohexyl acetate | 29153990 | 622-45-7 | C8H14O2 |
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 Cyclohexyl acetate originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, cyclohexyl acetate (C₈H₁₄O₂) is typically synthesized through the esterification reaction between cyclohexanol and acetic acid. This reaction occurs when acetic acid reacts with cyclohexanol, forming cyclohexyl acetate and water. This esterification reaction is usually carried out in an acidic environment to increase efficiency.
Additionally, cyclohexyl acetate can appear as a byproduct in the production of other organic compounds, especially when cyclohexanol and acetic acid are present. Controlling the reaction conditions is necessary to limit the unwanted formation of cyclohexyl acetate in these processes.
3. Industries that use Cyclohexyl acetate in production
In the paint and varnish industry, this compound is used as a solvent to improve the adhesion and smoothness of the product. Thanks to its slow evaporation rate, it helps to extend the drying time, resulting in a glossier and more durable paint layer after finishing.
In the fragrance and perfume industry, this chemical serves as a fragrance component, providing a gentle and long-lasting scent. Thanks to its good solubility, it helps to uniformly combine other fragrance ingredients, ensuring the quality of the final product.
In the plastics and rubber industry, this chemical is used as a solvent during the manufacturing process to improve the flexibility and stability of the material. In particular, it makes the process of mixing and processing plastics easier, enhancing product quality.
Furthermore, in the printing industry, it is an important component in printing inks, helping the ink to adhere better to the surface of paper or plastic. This helps to create sharp, colorfast, and high-quality prints in the production of packaging, labels, and other printed products.
4. How does Cyclohexyl acetate affect workers?
When exposed to this chemical in the workplace, workers may experience health problems depending on the level and duration of exposure. For the respiratory system, inhaling the vapor of this solvent for a long time can cause irritation of the nose and throat, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. If exposed to high concentrations, it can affect the central nervous system, causing nausea, headache, or loss of concentration.
Direct skin contact can cause dryness, irritation, or dermatitis due to the fat-dissolving properties of this chemical, which removes the natural protective oil layer of the skin. When the chemical splashes into the eyes, it can cause redness, tearing, and a burning sensation, leading to temporary vision impairment if not treated promptly.
In the long term, if workers are not adequately protected, regular exposure to this chemical can lead to a risk of liver and kidney damage due to the body’s metabolism and excretion processes. Moreover, chronic poisoning can cause a decline in neurological function, affecting memory, concentration, and work morale.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cyclohexyl acetate for human exposure
Currently, no specific information regarding a safe exposure concentration for cyclohexyl acetate has been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining a safe level of exposure to cyclohexyl acetate requires referencing international standards and best practices in the industry.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cyclohexyl acetate. 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 Cyclohexyl acetate on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of this chemical on workers, it is necessary to apply technical control measures in the workplace. Ventilation and local exhaust systems should be installed to limit the accumulation of chemical vapors in the air, helping to maintain concentrations at a safe level. At the same time, the use of measuring devices to monitor concentrations in the work environment is necessary to promptly detect and adjust when permissible limits are exceeded.
Personal protective equipment also plays an important role in protecting workers from the effects of the chemical. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, solvent vapor respirators, and appropriate protective clothing should be used to limit exposure through the skin and respiratory tract. Changing or cleaning clothing after work also helps reduce the risk of long-term contamination.
In addition, training and awareness campaigns about chemical safety are indispensable measures to raise workers’ consciousness. They need to be instructed on how to handle chemical exposure, timely first aid measures, and safe work procedures. Regular health check-ups also help to detect any abnormal signs early, thereby allowing for timely intervention to protect long-term health.
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.
