Working environment factors
How does Ethyl Chlorite affect workers’ health?
Apr
Ethyl chloride (C2H5Cl) is a chemical commonly used in many industries. However, long-term exposure to this compound can cause serious health effects for workers. The following article will help you understand the level of danger and how to protect yourself.
1. What is Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro)?
Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro), with the chemical formula C2H5Cl, is an organic compound belonging to the alkyl halide group. In this molecule, one hydrogen atom of ethane (C2H6) has been replaced by a chlorine atom, creating a compound with characteristic chemical and physical properties. Under normal conditions, ethyl chloride is a colorless gas with a characteristic odor; it is volatile and flammable. It can be liquefied under pressure and is often stored in sealed containers to ensure safety.
Ethyl chloride has a molecular weight of about 64.51 g/mol, a boiling point of about 12.3°C, and a melting point of about -138.7°C. Due to its rapid evaporation and the cooling sensation it causes upon contact with the skin, this compound was once used in medicine as a temporary local anesthetic. In industry, ethyl chloride is used as a solvent, an intermediate in organic synthesis, and for some other specialized applications.
However, due to its effects on worker health, ethyl chloride must be handled and used with care, especially in factory environments where workers are at risk of frequent exposure.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Etyl chlorit | Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) | 29031190 | 75-00-3 | C2H5Cl |
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2. Where does Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) originate from during the production process?
In industrial production, ethyl chloride (C2H5Cl) is typically synthesized through the reaction between ethylene (C2H4) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). This reaction takes place in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst such as copper chloride (CuCl2) or aluminum chloride (AlCl3), producing ethyl chloride with high efficiency.
Alternatively, another method involves reacting ethanol (C2H5OH) with hydrogen chloride, which also produces ethyl chloride. However, this method is less common due to higher raw material costs and lower efficiency compared to the ethylene-based method.
During the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl chloride can also be generated as a by-product.
The main sources of ethyl chloride during production come from the chemical reactions described above, where ethyl chloride is created as either a primary product or a by-product depending on the specific process being used.
3. Industries that use Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) in production
In the chemical industry, ethyl chloride is used as a solvent and an intermediate in the production of many different organic compounds.
In the plastics industry, ethyl chloride plays an important role as a blowing agent in the production of foam plastics, which are widely used in packaging and insulation.
In the medical field, ethyl chloride is used as a local anesthetic for minor procedures and pain relief.
In the textile dyeing industry, ethyl chloride is used as an intermediate in the production of dyes, helping to improve the color and durability of the product.
In addition, ethyl chloride is also used in the production of pesticides and other agricultural products, contributing to crop protection and increased productivity.
4. How does Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) affect workers?
Exposure to ethyl chloride can affect worker health in various ways, depending on the level and duration of exposure. Acutely, inhaling high concentrations of ethyl chloride can cause a feeling of intoxication, dizziness, loss of muscle coordination, and even loss of consciousness. Contact with liquid ethyl chloride can cause eye and skin irritation; if in direct contact, the liquid can cause frostbite on the skin.
Regarding chronic effects, long-term exposure to high concentrations of ethyl chloride can lead to neurological problems such as loss of muscle coordination, tremors, difficulty speaking, slowed reflexes, and hallucinations. In addition, some animal studies suggest that ethyl chloride may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Although there is no clear evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans, some animal studies suggest that ethyl chloride may have carcinogenic potential. Therefore, agencies such as the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommend that ethyl chloride be handled in the workplace as a potential human carcinogen.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) for human exposure
Currently, specific information on safe exposure concentrations for Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) has not been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe level of exposure to Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) requires reference to international standards and good practices in the industry.
Reference safe concentration limits in other countries:
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the permissible exposure limit (PEL) at 1,000 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour workday.
However, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a lower threshold limit value (TLV) of 100 ppm averaged over 8 hours, to enhance worker protection.
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) does not provide a specific exposure limit but recommends that ethyl chloride be handled with caution in the workplace.
In addition, NIOSH identifies the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) concentration of ethyl chloride as 3,800 ppm, based on 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the substance.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Ethyl 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 Ethyl chloride (Ethane, chloro) on worker health
To minimize the effects of ethyl chloride on worker health, implementing control and protection measures in the work environment is very important. First, it is necessary to ensure an effective ventilation system in the production area, which helps to reduce the concentration of ethyl chloride in the air and limit workers’ exposure to this chemical.
In addition, providing and requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, safety glasses, gloves, and specialized protective clothing is necessary to protect workers from the direct effects of ethyl chloride.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks associated with ethyl chloride, as well as instructing them on safety measures and incident handling procedures, is an indispensable part of protecting their health.
Regularly checking and monitoring the concentration of ethyl chloride in the air at the workplace helps to promptly detect any abnormalities and apply appropriate corrective measures.
Finally, developing and implementing safe work procedures, including the proper handling, storage, and transport of ethyl chloride, will contribute to effectively minimizing the risk of exposure and protecting worker health.
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:
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- 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.
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