Working environment factors
How does Demeton‑S‑Methyl affect workers’ health?
Mar
Demeton-s-methyl (C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P) is a toxic chemical used in production, posing many risks to worker health. Long-term exposure can cause poisoning, affecting the nervous, respiratory, and dermal systems. So how can these risks be minimized? This article will help you understand more and find solutions to protect yourself!
1. What is Demeton-s-methyl?
Demeton-s-methyl, with the chemical formula C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P, is an organic compound belonging to the organophosphate pesticide group. It is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a characteristic odor and is readily soluble in organic solvents. Due to its high toxicity, Demeton-s-methyl is primarily used in agriculture to control pests on crops.
This compound works by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system of insects, causing them to become paralyzed and die. However, because it has a similar mechanism of action on the human body, Demeton-s-methyl also poses many health risks, especially with long-term exposure or at high concentrations.
Furthermore, Demeton-s-methyl can enter the body through the respiratory tract, skin, and digestive system, causing symptoms of acute or chronic poisoning. Therefore, clearly identifying the chemical properties of this compound is a crucial step to ensure the safety of workers when they are exposed to and working in an environment containing this chemical.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Demeton-s-metyl | Demeton-s-methyl | 29309090 | 919-86-8 | C6H15O3S2P |
See more about our chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Demeton-s-methyl originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the compound C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P can arise from various sources. First, the chemical synthesis process in pesticide manufacturing plants is the main source of this compound. Here, initial raw materials are reacted under specific conditions to form the final product, during which emissions, chemical vapors, and residues of unreacted materials may occur.
Additionally, the processes of formulation, packaging, and transportation also contribute to the dispersal of this compound into the work environment. When filling or dilution operations take place, a portion of vapor or small droplets can evaporate or leak into the air, increasing the risk of exposure for workers.
Furthermore, improper storage or leaks from containers and pipelines are also significant sources. Under unstable temperature and pressure conditions, the chemical can vaporize or spill, contaminating the air and work surfaces. These factors make emission control during the production process a crucial requirement to protect worker health.
3. Industries that use Demeton-s-methyl in production
The compound C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P is primarily used in the pesticide manufacturing industry. It is a key component in various insecticides and pesticides aimed at controlling pests that harm crops. Agricultural chemical plants often use this compound to formulate crop protection products, helping to increase crop yields.
In addition, the chemical industry also uses this compound in the research and development of new plant protection products. Chemical laboratories and research facilities often conduct experiments involving this compound to test its effectiveness and safety before it is put into practical application.
Besides, some agricultural product processing and preservation industries may use this compound to control insects and mold. In some cases, this chemical is applied post-harvest to protect agricultural products from pest damage during storage and transportation. However, its use in this area typically requires strict control to ensure it does not affect human health.
4. How does Demeton-s-methyl affect workers?
The compound C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P can cause serious health effects for workers upon exposure during production and use. As an organophosphate compound, this substance can inhibit the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system, leading to dysfunction of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Initial symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and loss of concentration.
When exposed through the respiratory tract, vapors or dust containing this compound can cause severe irritation to the respiratory system. Workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and even respiratory failure if large amounts are inhaled over a long period. Additionally, this chemical can be absorbed through the skin, causing dermatitis, itching, or a red rash upon direct contact without appropriate protective measures.
Ingestion or exposure to large amounts can lead to acute poisoning, causing convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia, and decreased consciousness. In some severe cases, this compound can affect the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, causing internal organ damage if it accumulates in the body over time. These effects make protecting workers from the risk of exposure a critical requirement in production environments where this chemical is used.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Demeton-s-methyl for human exposure
In the workplace, determining the safe exposure concentration for C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P is crucial to protect worker health. According to the Austrian standard (Grenzwerteverordnung 2018), the time-weighted average limit value (TMW-MAK) for this substance is 0.05 parts per million (ppm), equivalent to 0.5 mg/m³ of air.
In Australia, the WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STANDARDS FOR AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS specifies a time-weighted average (TWA) value for Methyl demeton of 0.5 mg/m³.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a maximum exposure level for Demeton not to exceed 0.1 mg/m³ in the air.
Furthermore, the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) has proposed an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for Demeton-S-methyl of 0.0003 mg/kg of body weight.
However, in Vietnam, no specific information on occupational exposure limits for this compound has been found at present.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Demeton-s-methyl. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Demeton-s-methyl on worker health
Minimizing the health effects of C₆H₁₅O₃S₂P on workers requires a series of control measures ranging from production processes and personal protection to workplace environment monitoring. First, it is necessary to apply local exhaust and ventilation systems to limit the dispersion of chemical vapors in the air. Work areas must be designed to ensure good air circulation, helping to minimize the risk of inhaling toxic vapors.
Additionally, providing adequate personal protective equipment is a crucial factor in protecting workers from direct contact. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, respirators, and specialized protective clothing should be used throughout the work process. In particular, respirators suitable for organic chemical vapors should be used when working in environments with high vapor concentrations.
Furthermore, training and raising awareness about occupational safety play an important role in risk reduction. Workers should be instructed on safe chemical handling, first aid measures in case of exposure, and incident response procedures. Periodic health check-ups to detect early signs of effects are also an important measure for long-term health protection.
Monitoring the work environment by periodically measuring the concentration of the chemical in the air helps to assess exposure levels and adjust control measures accordingly. At the same time, procedures for storing, transporting, and handling the chemical must be strictly implemented to limit the risk of leaks or dispersion into the 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 regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically conduct 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 for supervising and measuring the quality of the working environment in all provinces across Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the working environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets 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.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a 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. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Price quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced price list for workplace environment monitoring services.
-
- Our price list provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers 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 also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
