Working environment factors
How does Dichlorvos affect workers’ health?
Mar
Dichlorvos (C4H7Cl2O4P) is a chemical commonly used in industry, but few are aware that it poses many risks to the health of workers. Long-term exposure can cause poisoning, affect the nervous and respiratory systems, and increase the risk of cancer. So how can you protect yourself? Let’s find out now!
1. What is Dichlorvos?
Dichlorvos, with the chemical formula C₄H₇Cl₂O₄P, is an organophosphate compound used primarily as a pesticide and insecticide. This compound exists as a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. Due to its volatile nature, Dichlorvos is often used in agriculture, the food processing industry, as well as in household insect control products.
Chemically, Dichlorvos is a phosphoric ester containing a dichlorovinyl group, which gives it a strong effect on the nervous systems of insects and many other organisms. The mechanism of action of Dichlorvos is mainly based on inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which disrupts nerve transmission, leading to paralysis and death in target insects.
Due to its rapid effectiveness and powerful insect control capabilities, Dichlorvos is widely used in manufacturing plants, especially in the food industry where pest control is necessary. However, the use of this chemical also raises many issues regarding occupational safety and human health, especially with long-term exposure or without proper protective measures.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dichlorvos | Dichlorvos | 29199000 | 62-73-7 | C4H7Cl2O4P |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does Dichlorvos originate from during the production process?
During the production process, this chemical can be released from various sources, mainly from the formulation, packaging, and application stages in the final product. When synthesized and mixed in the factory, the chemical components involved in the reaction can create gases or vapors containing Dichlorvos, which can spread into the air.
The packaging and transportation processes can also contribute to the dispersal of this compound, especially if leaks occur from packaging or containers. When products containing Dichlorvos are used in industrial settings or enclosed spaces like warehouses and food processing plants, the evaporated chemical can accumulate, increasing the risk of exposure for workers.
In addition, an inefficient ventilation system or improper waste disposal can also cause Dichlorvos to linger in the work environment. Equipment and surfaces that come into direct contact with the chemical, if not cleaned regularly, can also become a source of emission, prolonging the exposure time for workers in the factory.
3. Industries that use Dichlorvos in production
In the agricultural sector, this chemical is widely used in the production of pesticides to control harmful insects on crops and in stored agricultural products. Companies that manufacture and distribute plant protection products often use this compound in spray or fumigant formulations to eliminate pests, helping to protect crop yields.
In the food processing industry, especially in plants that produce, store, and package dry foods such as grains, rice, beans, and coffee, this chemical is used to prevent insect infestation. These facilities often apply space treatment methods or impregnate packaging to prevent contamination and pest damage during storage.
Additionally, the veterinary materials and pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry may use this compound to create products for controlling parasites on livestock and poultry. Livestock farms and factories producing insect control products for agricultural environments often apply this chemical to minimize the growth of flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.
In the field of urban pest control, professional pest control companies often use this compound in spray or vapor trap products to eliminate cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other harmful insects in homes, restaurants, hotels, and public areas.
4. How does Dichlorvos affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this chemical in the workplace, the central nervous system can be severely affected due to its mechanism of inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme. The reduced activity of this enzyme leads to neurological disorders, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and seizures in cases of high-level poisoning.
The respiratory system is also affected when inhaling vapors or dust containing the chemical in the air. Workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and irritation of the nose and throat. Long-term exposure can cause lung damage, increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, and reduce respiratory function.
For the digestive system, accidental ingestion of the chemical can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In cases of severe poisoning, workers may suffer from impaired liver and kidney function as the body has to work excessively to eliminate the toxin.
The skin and eyes are also easily irritated upon direct contact with this chemical. Skin contact can cause redness, itching, or dermatitis, while a chemical splash to the eyes can cause severe irritation, tearing, and temporary vision loss. If regular contact occurs without protective measures, the risk of dermatological diseases and corneal damage will significantly increase.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dichlorvos for human exposure
According to Decision No. 3733/2002/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health, the maximum permissible exposure limit (TLV-TWA) for Dichlorvos in the work environment is 1 mg/m³, with a short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL) of 3 mg/m³. This means that over an 8-hour work shift, the average concentration of Dichlorvos in the air should not exceed 1 mg/m³, and during a short-term exposure period (usually 15 minutes), the concentration should not exceed 3 mg/m³.
Adhering to these limits helps minimize the health risks for workers exposed to Dichlorvos.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Dichlorvos. 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 health effects of Dichlorvos on workers
Controlling the level of chemical exposure in the work environment is a critical factor in protecting workers’ health. An effective ventilation system should be installed to ensure good air circulation, which helps reduce the concentration of evaporated chemicals in the workspace. Manufacturing plants should use local exhaust ventilation systems in areas with a high risk of toxic vapor emission to limit the spread of the chemical in the air.
Personal protective equipment plays an essential role in protecting workers from the harmful effects of the chemical. Equipment such as respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and specialized protective clothing must be fully provided and their use strictly enforced. In addition, employees need to be trained on how to properly use and maintain this equipment to ensure maximum protective effectiveness.
Monitoring the concentration of the chemical in the air must be carried out periodically to ensure it does not exceed the permissible limits. Gas detection devices must be used to check exposure levels in work areas, helping to detect risks early and take timely corrective actions. If the concentration exceeds the safety threshold, remedial measures must be taken, such as increasing ventilation, reducing working time in the hazardous area, or using safer alternatives.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the potential risks of the chemical is also an important measure. Regular training programs help workers understand how to recognize symptoms of poisoning, apply first aid promptly, and respond in case of an emergency. In addition, units that use the chemical need to have strict management procedures, including safe storage, transportation, and waste disposal, to minimize the risk of leaks and contamination of the work 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 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 Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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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 committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and personnel, 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 with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also get the best offers on costs.
8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Price Quotation
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a price quotation for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our price quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and result reporting. 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 always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s price quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional quality service.
