Working environment factors
How does Dichloroacetyl Chloride affect workers’ health?
Mar
Dichloroacetyl chloride (C₂HOCl₃) is a hazardous chemical used in many industries, posing significant risks to the health of workers. Exposure to this chemical can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and even have long-term health effects. So how can you protect yourself? Let’s find out!
1. What is Dichloroacetyl chloride?
Dichloroacetyl chloride, with the chemical formula C₂HOCl₃, is an organic compound belonging to the acyl chloride group. It is commonly used in chemical synthesis processes, especially in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other organic compounds. This chemical exists as a colorless or slightly pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor and is highly volatile.
Dichloroacetyl chloride is highly reactive, particularly prone to hydrolysis upon contact with water or moisture in the air, producing dichloroacetic acid and hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas, which can cause severe irritation. Due to this property, the chemical is stored in dry, airtight conditions and is only used in strictly controlled environments.
Due to its potential to affect human health and the environment, Dichloroacetyl chloride is tightly regulated during its production, transport, and use. Workers who directly handle this chemical need to be equipped with appropriate protective gear to avoid contact and ensure occupational safety.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Diclo acetyl clorua | Dichloroacetyl chloride | 29159090 | 79-36-7 | C2HOCl3 |
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2. Where does Dichloroacetyl chloride originate from during the production process?
This chemical mainly originates from organic synthesis processes in industrial chemical manufacturing plants, especially in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and organic intermediates. It is created through the chlorination of organic compounds containing the acetyl chloride group, in an environment with catalysts and strict reaction conditions.
In addition to direct production, this chemical can also arise as a by-product in some chemical reactions involving the acyl chloride group. This often occurs in large-scale chemical synthesis processes where many chloro-organic compounds are involved.
In a factory, dispersal can occur due to leaks in piping systems, storage tanks, or during the transport and filling of the chemical. Improper handling or unforeseen incidents can also cause the chemical to vaporize into the air, posing a danger to the work environment.
3. Industries that use Dichloroacetyl chloride in production
This chemical is commonly used in the chemical industry, especially in the production of pesticides and crop protection chemicals. It plays an important role in the synthesis of organic intermediates, helping to create products with effective pest control capabilities.
The pharmaceutical industry also utilizes this chemical in the synthesis of some special active ingredients. With its strong reactive properties, it participates in complex chemical reactions to create compounds of medicinal value, serving research and drug production.
In addition, the industrial chemical manufacturing sector also uses this compound to synthesize other chloro-organic derivatives for various purposes. Plants producing polymers, detergents, and special industrial compounds may also use it as a raw material or intermediate in some production processes.
4. How does Dichloroacetyl chloride affect workers?
Exposure to this chemical can cause many negative health effects for workers, depending on the level and duration of exposure. When vapors or gases are inhaled, the respiratory system can be severely affected, causing airway irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, and even the risk of lung damage with long-term exposure.
Skin and eyes are also vulnerable to direct contact. This chemical is highly corrosive and can cause skin burns, dermatitis, or severe allergic reactions. If splashed into the eyes, it can cause irritation, a burning sensation, and in severe cases, can lead to corneal damage, affecting vision.
In addition to immediate effects, long-term exposure to high concentrations can affect the nervous system and internal organs. Some studies indicate a risk of liver and kidney damage when working in an environment containing vapors of this chemical without adequate protective measures. Absorption through the respiratory tract or skin can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dichloroacetyl chloride for human exposure
Currently, specific information on safe exposure concentrations for Dichloroacetyl chloride has not been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe level of exposure to Dichloroacetyl chloride requires reference to international standards and good practices in the industry.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Dichloroacetyl chloride. 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 minimize the effects of Dichloroacetyl chloride on worker health
Controlling the work environment is an important measure to minimize the effects of this chemical on worker health. The installation of ventilation and exhaust systems in production areas helps to limit the dispersal of chemical vapors in the air, reducing the risk of inhaling toxic substances. At the same time, it is necessary to conduct periodic monitoring of the chemical concentration in the air to ensure that the exposure level is always at a safe threshold.
Equipping with personal protective equipment is a mandatory requirement for those who work directly with this chemical. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, respirators, and specialized protective clothing help prevent direct contact with the skin and respiratory tract. Workers need to be trained in the proper use of protective equipment to achieve the highest effectiveness during work.
Chemical handling and storage procedures must comply with strict safety standards to prevent the risk of leaks or accidental dispersal. Containers must be tightly sealed and stored under appropriate conditions, avoiding contact with water or other reactive compounds. In case of an incident, there must be emergency response measures, including warning systems, evacuation instructions, and methods for rapid and effective chemical incident response.
In addition to technical measures, raising awareness for workers is also a key factor in minimizing risks. Regular training on exposure risks, how to recognize signs of poisoning, and providing timely first aid instructions will help workers proactively protect their own health, minimizing the negative impacts of the chemical in 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 needs to 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 the level of hazard to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Center for Occupational Environment Monitoring
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for 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.
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 commits 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 occupational 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 expertise and 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 Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Valued customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We commit 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 monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing you the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
