Working environment factors
How does Diethylbenzene affect workers’ health?
Apr
Diethylbenzene (C10H14) is a common chemical in industry, but its impact on the health of workers with long-term exposure in a manufacturing plant environment remains a concern. This article will help you better understand the effects of diethylbenzene and how to protect occupational health.
1. What is Diethylbenzene?
Diethylbenzene, with the chemical formula C10H14, is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic hydrocarbon group. This chemical consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) bonded to two ethyl groups (C2H5) attached at different positions on the ring. Therefore, diethylbenzene is an isomer of benzene where two ethyl groups replace hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring.
The chemical formula C10H14 indicates that this compound has 10 carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms. The isomers of diethylbenzene include 1,2-diethylbenzene, 1,3-diethylbenzene, and 1,4-diethylbenzene, which differ in the positions of the ethyl groups on the benzene ring. These isomers have relatively similar physical and chemical properties, but there are some specific differences, especially in physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, and solubility in various solvents.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dietylbezen | Diethylbenzene | 29029090 | 25340-17-4 | C10H14 |
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2. What are the sources of Diethylbenzene in the production process?
In industrial production, diethylbenzene primarily arises from chemical synthesis reactions, especially in styrene production processes. One of the common methods for producing diethylbenzene is through the alkylation of benzene with ethylene in the presence of an acid catalyst. This process creates diethylbenzene, while by-products may include other compounds such as ethylbenzene.
In addition, diethylbenzene can also appear during the distillation or refining of compounds containing benzene and other alkyl substances. Chemical manufacturing plants, especially those specializing in the production of organic chemicals like styrene, xylene, or various types of solvents, can be the main sources of diethylbenzene in the work environment.
Furthermore, in some cases, diethylbenzene can also be formed during the recycling or processing of benzene-containing chemicals, where unwanted side reactions may produce this compound.
3. Industries that use Diethylbenzene in production
Diethylbenzene is used in various industries, especially in the production of organic chemicals. One of the main industries that use this compound is the styrene manufacturing industry. Styrene is a crucial compound in the production of plastic materials such as polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), and other polymers, and diethylbenzene serves as a basic raw material in the styrene synthesis process.
In addition, diethylbenzene is also used in the solvent manufacturing industry. This substance has good solvency properties and is used to create organic solvents, especially in painting processes, surface coatings, and other chemical products. These solvents are widely used in industries such as paint manufacturing, printing inks, and household care products.
Other industries also use diethylbenzene in the production of additives, synthetic resins, and other chemical compounds. They play an important role in industrial chemical production processes, from synthesis reactions to creating chemical products with applications in many different fields.
4. How does Diethylbenzene affect workers?
When workers are exposed to diethylbenzene in the workplace, this compound can cause several negative health effects. Diethylbenzene is a volatile substance, so workers can inhale its vapors during their work. Inhaling diethylbenzene vapor can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are common in short-term exposure, but with long-term exposure, the risk of respiratory and nervous system diseases can increase.
In addition, diethylbenzene can also cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. Workers with long-term exposure to this chemical may experience skin irritation, rashes, or dermatitis. Especially without proper protective measures, continuous contact with diethylbenzene can lead to more serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage.
Furthermore, studies also indicate that diethylbenzene can cause problems with the nervous system, especially when workers are exposed to high concentrations over a long period. Symptoms include fatigue, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating. These effects can be long-lasting and reduce the quality of life for workers if appropriate protective and control measures are not in place during work.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Diethylbenzene for human exposure
Currently, specific information regarding the safe exposure concentration for Diethylbenzene has not been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe exposure level for Diethylbenzene requires referencing international standards and best practices in the industry.
However, one can refer to the permissible exposure limits for benzene homologs, such as toluene and xylene, to assess safety levels in: Appendix 9 – GUIDELINES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF WORK CAPACITY IMPAIRMENT DUE to OCCUPATIONAL POISONING BY BENZENE AND ITS HOMOLOGS (Issued with the Circular of 2024 by the Minister of Health).
Additionally, according to US standards (ACGIH), the short-term exposure limit for benzene is 8 mg/m³. Although there is no specific data for diethylbenzene, adhering to the above limits and applying labor protection measures are necessary to ensure health safety.
Basically, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Diethylbenzene. 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 health effects of Diethylbenzene on workers
To minimize the health effects of diethylbenzene on workers, it is necessary to apply personal protective measures and improve working conditions in environments containing this chemical. One of the most important measures is to ensure good ventilation in the work area, which helps to reduce the concentration of diethylbenzene vapor in the air. The use of natural or mechanical ventilation systems, such as exhaust fans and air filtration systems, can reduce the amount of harmful substances present in the air, protecting workers’ health.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, including specialized masks, gloves, and eye protection. Masks should be capable of effectively filtering chemical dust and vapors, especially those containing activated carbon or chemical filter membranes to prevent the inhalation of diethylbenzene vapor. Gloves and protective clothing should be used to limit direct contact with the skin and prevent irritation or damage caused by the chemical.
At the same time, training workers on the risks associated with diethylbenzene and safety measures during work is very important. Workers need to be instructed on how to recognize signs of poisoning, how to administer first aid upon chemical exposure, and how to handle emergency situations. Conducting regular training sessions will help raise awareness and equip workers with the necessary skills to protect their health in the workplace.
Finally, monitoring and checking the concentration of diethylbenzene in the work atmosphere is also an important measure to ensure that exposure levels do not exceed permissible limits. Gas concentration measuring devices can help detect and promptly warn about pollution levels, allowing for the adjustment of appropriate safety measures.
Occupational Safety Training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to 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 Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring 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.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the workplace environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all client 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:
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8. Workplace Environment Monitoring Price Quote
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