Working environment factors
How does Endosulfan affect workers’ health?
Nov
Endosulfan (C9H6Cl6O3S) is a toxic chemical used in many manufacturing industries, posing numerous risks to the health of workers. From respiratory problems and nerve damage to the risk of cancer, understanding the harmful effects and how to prevent them when in contact with Endosulfan is crucial for occupational health.
1. What is Endosulfan?
Endosulfan (C9H6Cl6O3S) is the chemical formula for an organic substance called Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide common in agriculture for controlling pests on many types of crops. This substance belongs to the group of synthetic pesticides, known for its broad-spectrum insecticidal properties and long-lasting effectiveness. Endosulfan is characterized as a colorless or pale yellow compound, existing as a solid crystal, and is poorly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents.
Structurally, the chemical formula C9H6Cl6O3S shows that Endosulfan contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur atoms, which play a crucial role in its chemical properties and activity. Due to this structure, Endosulfan has strong adhesion to the surface of plant leaves, helping to protect crops from insect attacks over a long period. However, this stability also makes Endosulfan difficult to break down in the environment, leading to the risk of long-term accumulation and potential harm to human health upon direct contact during production and use.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Endosulfan | Endosulfan | 29209090 | 115-29-7 | C9H6Cl6O3S |
See more: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Endosulfan originate from in the production process?
During production, the source of Endosulfan typically comes from agricultural chemical manufacturing plants and pesticide production facilities. To create Endosulfan, raw materials and chemicals such as chlorine and organic compounds must be used through complex chemical reaction stages, especially the chlorination and heat treatment processes. It is in these stages that Endosulfan is formed and purified to achieve high purity, ready for application in agriculture.
The production stages not only create Endosulfan but can also generate toxic gases and chemical dust, posing risks to workers and causing environmental pollution if not strictly controlled. In addition, waste and by-products from Endosulfan production are also potential sources of emission, requiring strict treatment processes to prevent adverse effects on the environment and workers’ health.
3. Industries that use Endosulfan in production
Endosulfan is primarily used as a pesticide to protect crops from pests and diseases. Farming sectors such as rice, cotton, tobacco, and some types of fruits and vegetables often use Endosulfan to increase productivity and product quality by eliminating threats from insects and pests. In an agricultural setting, Endosulfan acts as a fast-acting insecticide, helping farmers effectively control pests over large areas and for long periods.
Besides agriculture, some chemical industries may also use Endosulfan in the production process or in research on organic compounds with similar properties. Chemical laboratories and scientific research facilities often require Endosulfan to develop and test the effectiveness of various plant protection products.
4. How does Endosulfan affect workers?
Exposure to endosulfan in the workplace can cause many serious health problems for workers. When inhaling vapors or dust containing this chemical, the respiratory system can be irritated, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and bronchitis. In addition, skin contact can cause irritation, dermatitis, and rashes, especially when workers do not use adequate personal protective equipment.
Furthermore, endosulfan can penetrate the nervous system, causing central nervous system problems such as dizziness, headaches, loss of concentration, and in severe cases, can lead to permanent nerve damage. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of liver and kidney diseases as this chemical affects vital organs in the body.
Additionally, endosulfan is also believed to have carcinogenic potential, especially for liver and kidney cancer, with high-level and long-term exposure. This increases the health burden on workers and requires strict control measures in the workplace.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Endosulfan for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration for human exposure to endosulfan is established to minimize health risks in the work environment. International regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued guidelines on the maximum concentration levels that humans can be exposed to without endangering their health.
According to regulations, the concentration of endosulfan in the workplace air should not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ for short-term exposure. This level is calculated based on its potential to cause skin and respiratory irritation, along with risks of nerve and internal organ damage. Regular monitoring of this chemical’s concentration in the work environment is necessary to ensure compliance with regulations.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to concentrations higher than the permissible level can cause dangerous symptoms such as nervous system disorders, liver and kidney damage, and an increased risk of cancer.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Endosulfan. 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 health effects of Endosulfan on workers
To minimize the health effects of endosulfan on workers, a series of strict preventive measures must be implemented in the workplace. First and foremost, providing and maintaining personal protective equipment for workers is crucial. This equipment includes gas-filter masks, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant shoes. Using this protective gear fully and correctly helps limit direct contact with endosulfan and minimizes the risk of poisoning through the skin, respiratory system, or digestion.
Besides, improving working conditions is another important measure. Ensuring that the ventilation system in production areas is always operating effectively helps reduce the concentration of endosulfan in the air, limiting the risk of inhaling the chemical. Work areas can be equipped with specialized air filtration systems to remove dust and chemical vapors, ensuring clean air for workers.
Training and raising awareness among workers about the risks of endosulfan and preventive measures is also a key factor. Workers should be fully equipped with knowledge on how to use chemicals safely, recognize signs of poisoning, and the necessary first aid steps in case of an incident. Conducting regular training sessions will help minimize the risk of accidents and health damage due to endosulfan exposure.
Finally, production facilities need to conduct regular health checks for workers, especially those who work long-term in environments where endosulfan is used. Health monitoring helps in the early detection of signs of poisoning or damage, allowing for timely intervention. At the same time, facilities must have clear incident response procedures to ensure absolute safety for workers in case of chemical-related risks.
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, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of risk 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 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 SERVICE
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 is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, the Nam Viet 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.
- By choosing 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. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table 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 advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
