Working environment factors
How does Cyclohexyl Isocyanate affect workers’ health?
Mar
Cyclohexyl isocyanate (C7H11ON) is a hazardous chemical used in many industries, posing a serious risk to the health of workers. This article will analyze the impact of this chemical, from respiratory and dermatological risks to protective measures, helping you to understand and effectively prevent risks.
1. What is Cyclohexyl isocyanate?
Cyclohexyl isocyanate, with the chemical formula C₇H₁₁ON, is an organic compound belonging to the isocyanate group, widely used in the chemical industry. It is a colorless or slightly yellowish liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and is highly volatile. The molecular formula C₇H₁₁ON indicates that this molecule consists of a cyclohexyl ring bonded to an isocyanate group (-N=C=O), which gives it its special chemical properties.
Cyclohexyl isocyanate is commonly used in the production of polyurethane plastics, paints, adhesives, and surface coatings. Thanks to the high reactivity of the isocyanate group, this compound can participate in many important polymer synthesis processes. However, due to its high reactivity, it also poses a risk of harm to human health upon direct contact or inhalation of its vapors over a long period.
In addition to its industrial applications, cyclohexyl isocyanate is also used in chemical research to synthesize other organic compounds. However, due to its toxicity, the use and storage of this chemical require strict safety measures to protect the health of workers and the working environment.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cyclo hexyl isoxyanat | Cyclohexyl isocyanate | 29291090 | 3173-53-3 | C7H11ON |
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 isocyanate originate from in the production process?
In industrial production processes, this compound primarily arises from chemical synthesis processes where the isocyanate group is used to create polyurethane products, adhesives, paint coatings, and waterproofing agents. The chemical reactions involving isocyanates usually take place in a strictly controlled environment to ensure efficiency and minimize side effects.
Additionally, this chemical can also appear during the mixing, packaging, and transportation of raw materials at the factory. When exposed to air, especially under high temperature or poor ventilation conditions, its vapor easily evaporates, creating an exposure risk for workers. The process of cleaning, maintaining equipment, or treating waste from production can also generate small amounts of this compound in the air or the surrounding environment.
Some other sources of generation can come from the use of related solvents and reactants in the production process. When chemical leaks or spills occur, even in small amounts, the risk of poisoning and contamination of the work environment still exists, requiring close monitoring to control and limit its spread.
3. Industries that use Cyclohexyl isocyanate in production
This compound is used in many different industries, especially in the production of polyurethane, where it plays a crucial role in creating plastics with high durability, good elasticity, and effective thermal and sound insulation properties. Polyurethane products such as foam, coatings, adhesives, and sealants can all contain this component.
The paint and surface coatings industry also uses this compound to increase adhesion, abrasion resistance, and improve the physical properties of paint. It is used in the production of automotive paints, protective coatings for metal structures, as well as waterproofing coatings in construction. In the adhesive industry, this compound is an important component that helps improve the strength and adhesion of the product on many different types of materials.
Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical and chemical fields, this compound is also used in organic synthesis reactions to create intermediate compounds for research and drug production. Some other industries, such as the production of fire retardants, anti-corrosion agents, or the manufacturing of electronic components, may also use it as an important component in their product formulations.
4. How does Cyclohexyl isocyanate affect workers?
When exposed to this compound in the workplace, workers can experience many negative health effects, especially through the respiratory route. The chemical’s vapor is volatile, and if inhaled, it can cause respiratory irritation, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, a sore throat, and in more severe cases, can cause pneumonia or occupational asthma. Long-term exposure to high concentrations can impair respiratory function, affecting the work capacity and quality of life of workers.
In addition to its effects on the respiratory system, this chemical can also cause serious harm to the skin. Upon direct contact, it can cause irritation, redness, itching, and in some cases, can lead to contact dermatitis. People with sensitive skin or those working in an environment with a continuous presence of this chemical are at risk of developing skin allergies or chronic dermatitis, affecting their long-term health.
Eye contact with this chemical can also be dangerous, leading to irritation, red eyes, tearing, and in more severe cases, can cause corneal damage. Furthermore, if accidentally ingested, it can cause nausea, abdominal pain, damage to the gastric mucosa, and affect the digestive system. Workers who are regularly exposed to this compound need to have appropriate protective measures to minimize the risk of health impacts.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cyclohexyl isocyanate for human exposure
In the workplace, exposure to cyclohexyl isocyanate must be strictly controlled to protect the health of workers. According to information from the GESTIS database, the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) for cyclohexyl isocyanate in Poland is an NDS (maximum permissible concentration) of 0.04 mg/m³.
However, there is currently no specific information on the occupational exposure limit for cyclohexyl isocyanate in Vietnam. Therefore, referencing international standards and applying appropriate safety measures is necessary to ensure a safe working environment for workers.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cyclohexyl isocyanate. 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 isocyanate on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of cyclohexyl isocyanate on workers, the following safety measures should be implemented:
First, installing an effective ventilation system is necessary to remove chemical vapors from the work area, reducing the concentration in the air.
Workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as acid-resistant rubber gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, and appropriate respirators.
Training and educating workers on the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical is necessary.
In addition, there should be an emergency response plan, with adequate protective and first aid equipment in case of leaks, spills, or chemical exposure incidents.
Finally, regular health monitoring for workers helps to detect any unusual signs related to chemical exposure early, allowing for timely intervention.
Strict implementation of these measures will contribute to protecting workers’ health, ensuring a safe and effective working environment.
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.
