Working environment factors
How does Dinitro-o-cresol affect workers’ health?
Nov
Dinitro-o-cresol (C7H6N2O5) is a common chemical in many manufacturing industries, but it can pose a great danger to the health of workers if not used correctly. This article will help you understand the health effects of Dinitro-o-cresol and how to protect workers in the work environment.
1. What is Dinitro-o-cresol?
The chemical formula C7H6N2O5 represents a complex organic compound, with seven carbon (C) atoms, six hydrogen (H) atoms, two nitrogen (N) atoms, and five oxygen (O) atoms. This is a type of chemical belonging to the nitroaromatic group, used primarily in industries such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products.
With this structure, the compound has a nitro group (-NO2) attached to a benzene ring, which gives it characteristic chemical properties, making it readily participate in oxidation or decomposition reactions under certain conditions. The presence of the nitro group and other functional groups gives dinitro-o-cresol properties such as strong biological stimulation, but also causes negative health effects if not handled properly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dinitro-o-cresol | Dinitro-o-cresol | 29089200 | 534-52-1 | C7H6N2O5 |
See more: Chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Dinitro-o-cresol originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the compound C7H6N2O5 can arise from various sources, mainly in industries that use this chemical to manufacture pesticides, plastics, or in chemical synthesis processes. When raw materials containing nitro and cresol groups are processed in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, dinitro-o-cresol can be formed through complex chemical reactions.
This compound is often created in pesticide manufacturing plants, where nitrobenzene or similar substances are treated with cresol, forming dinitro-o-cresol as a byproduct or main product of the reaction. This process can produce dinitro-o-cresol in liquid or powder form, depending on the reaction conditions. When used in industrial applications, this compound can be released into the work environment through direct contact with the product or when toxic gases are generated during processing.
Furthermore, dinitro-o-cresol can also be released during processing and production steps if safety measures are not strictly followed. Factors such as chemical dust, leaks from equipment, or poorly ventilated workspaces are major sources that increase workers’ potential exposure to this chemical.
3. Industries that use Dinitro-o-cresol in production
Dinitro-o-cresol is used primarily in the chemical industries, especially in the production of pesticides. It is a key ingredient in various pesticides and herbicides, helping to control insects, fungal diseases, and weeds. This chemical has the ability to inhibit the metabolic processes of organisms, causing them to die or be unable to grow, which explains why it is widely used in the agricultural sector.
In addition, dinitro-o-cresol is also used in some other industries such as the production of plastics, resins, and detergents. In the plastics industry, it acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of various polymers, helping to enhance the physical properties and durability of the product. Dinitro-o-cresol also appears in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of some biologically active compounds.
Besides, dinitro-o-cresol is also present in some chemical processes such as the production of dyes, industrial cleaning agents, and in applications related to metal surface treatment.
4. How does Dinitro-o-cresol affect workers?
When exposed to dinitro-o-cresol, workers can face many serious health problems if safety protection measures are not followed. This chemical can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or contaminated food and water. One of the most common effects is irritation to the skin and eyes, causing redness, itching, and even severe inflammation if not treated promptly.
In addition, if workers inhale dust or vapor of dinitro-o-cresol during work, they can experience respiratory irritation, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and asthma-like symptoms. Long-term exposure to this chemical can lead to acute or chronic poisoning, with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Furthermore, in severe cases, dinitro-o-cresol can affect the nervous system, leading to problems such as loss of concentration, memory impairment, and decreased cognitive ability. Especially for workers with long-term exposure to this chemical in an uncontrolled environment, the risk of developing liver, kidney, or cardiovascular problems also increases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dinitro-o-cresol for human exposure
To ensure the safety of workers when exposed to dinitro-o-cresol, health and occupational safety agencies have stipulated maximum permissible concentrations in the air and work environment. This safe concentration is determined based on studies of the level of prolonged exposure and the impact of this chemical on human health.
According to international safety standards, the maximum concentration of dinitro-o-cresol in the workplace air is usually limited to a very low level, ranging from 0.1 mg/m³ to 0.2 mg/m³. Long-term exposure to concentrations exceeding these levels can lead to a high risk of developing diseases of the respiratory tract, skin, and other organ systems such as the liver and kidneys. These standards also require adequate ventilation systems in the work environment to minimize the accumulation of dinitro-o-cresol in the air.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Dinitro-o-cresol is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Dinitro-o-cresol on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of dinitro-o-cresol on workers, preventive and protective measures must be strictly implemented at the workplace. One of the most important measures is to control the chemical concentration in the air so that it does not exceed safe levels. Effective ventilation equipment and dust extraction systems need to be installed and regularly maintained to reduce the accumulation of dinitro-o-cresol in the work environment. This helps protect workers from inhaling the dust or vapor of this chemical.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment is an indispensable part of the work process. Workers should wear special air-purifying respirators, protective gloves, eye protection, and sealed protective clothing to limit direct contact with the chemical. This protective gear must be inspected and replaced periodically to ensure maximum protective effectiveness.
Another important factor is training and raising awareness for workers about the potential risks when working with dinitro-o-cresol. Occupational safety training programs should be organized regularly so that workers are well-versed in the rules and preventive measures. There also need to be safe work procedures to control exposure to the chemical, such as arranging reasonable work shifts to minimize exposure time.
Finally, periodic health check-ups for workers are very important to detect early symptoms related to dinitro-o-cresol exposure. Health monitoring helps to promptly identify signs of poisoning or diseases that may arise from long-term exposure to this chemical, thereby allowing for timely treatment interventions.
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 the hazard level 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.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports 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 technology, engineering, 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 options possible.
- With a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we aim 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. You will also get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation 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 quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
