Working environment factors
How does Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate affect workers’ health?
Dec
Ethylene glycol dinitrate (C2H4N2O6) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but its impact on workers’ health is often overlooked. This article will provide a detailed look at the risks, health effects, and preventive measures when exposed to this chemical.
1. What is Ethylene glycol dinitrate?
Ethylene glycol dinitrate (C2H4N2O6) is a chemical compound belonging to the organic nitrate group, formed from ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) combined with two nitrate groups (-NO2) attached to the molecule. It is a colorless, flammable, and highly explosive liquid, commonly used in the explosives and chemical manufacturing industries.
The chemical formula C2H4N2O6 reflects the molecular structure of ethylene glycol dinitrate, in which two nitrate groups (-NO2) are bonded to the carbon atoms in the ethylene glycol structure. This substance can easily decompose when subjected to heat, producing products such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Due to its flammable nature and high explosive potential, ethylene glycol dinitrate needs to be handled and stored carefully under special safety conditions.
With its unique chemical properties, ethylene glycol dinitrate is not only used in the production of explosives but is also present in some other industrial processes such as the production of other organic nitrate compounds. However, the use and exposure to ethylene glycol dinitrate require a thorough understanding of health risks and occupational safety.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Etylen glycol dinitrat | Ethylene glycol dinitrate | 29209090 | 628-96-6 | C2H4N2O6 |
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2. Where does Ethylene glycol dinitrate originate from in the production process?
The source of ethylene glycol dinitrate in the production process mainly comes from chemical reactions when ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) is treated with nitric acid (HNO3) in an alkaline medium or under special conditions. This process creates a nitrate compound in which two nitrate groups (-NO2) are attached to the ethylene glycol molecule.
In manufacturing plants, when ethylene glycol dinitrate is synthesized, the main source of this compound is from industrial reactions involving chemicals such as nitric acid and catalysts, where temperature and pressure play a crucial role. These reactions usually occur in controlled reaction vessels to ensure the product meets purity and safety requirements.
3. Industries that use Ethylene glycol dinitrate in production
Ethylene glycol dinitrate is primarily used in the explosives and chemical manufacturing industries. In the explosives industry, this compound is an important component in the creation of powerful explosives like dynamite, helping to increase their explosive power and effectiveness. This is one of the most common applications of ethylene glycol dinitrate, especially in mining, construction, and military applications.
In addition, ethylene glycol dinitrate is also used in the production of other chemical compounds, particularly in the synthesis of organic nitrates. Some other industries, such as the manufacturing of plastics, heat-resistant materials, and cleaning compounds, may also use ethylene glycol dinitrate in their chemical synthesis reactions. However, the use of this compound in other industries is generally less common than in the explosives industry.
4. How does Ethylene glycol dinitrate affect workers?
When exposed to ethylene glycol dinitrate, workers can experience many health problems due to the toxic nature of this compound. This liquid can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon direct contact, especially when adequate protective measures are not used. Inhaling the vapors of ethylene glycol dinitrate can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and a burning sensation in the throat.
Furthermore, if this compound enters the body through the skin or respiratory tract over a long period, it can cause serious effects on the central nervous system, reducing concentration and causing fatigue. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, dizziness, and in more severe cases, can affect cardiovascular function. Long-term and continuous exposure to ethylene glycol dinitrate can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as liver and kidney damage or respiratory problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Ethylene glycol dinitrate for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration for human exposure to ethylene glycol dinitrate is regulated by health and occupational safety agencies such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). However, these standards may vary by country and specific health organizations.
According to OSHA, the maximum permissible concentration of ethylene glycol dinitrate in the workplace air is 0.1 mg/m³, calculated over an 8-hour workday. This concentration level is considered the limit to which a worker can be exposed without facing a serious risk of harm to their health over the long term.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Ethylene glycol dinitrate. 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 Ethylene glycol dinitrate on workers
To minimize the health effects of ethylene glycol dinitrate on workers, preventive and safety measures must be strictly implemented throughout the production and use of this compound. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of ethylene glycol dinitrate in the air by using an effective ventilation and exhaust system. The ventilation system should be designed to ensure that the air in the work area is always clean, minimizing the accumulation of toxic chemical vapors.
In addition, providing workers with adequate personal protective equipment is essential. This equipment includes respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and safety glasses. This helps to minimize the possibility of direct contact with the chemical, especially when working in high-risk areas such as laboratories or explosives production lines.
Safety training and education for workers are also crucial. Workers need to understand the risks associated with the use of ethylene glycol dinitrate, how to recognize the signs of poisoning, and how to respond in case of an incident. Regular training sessions help to enhance safety awareness and response skills in the workplace.
Furthermore, regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and facilities in the production area also help to detect potential incidents or risks early, thereby preventing dangerous situations from occurring. These measures, when implemented synchronously, will help to minimize the impact of ethylene glycol dinitrate on workers’ 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 should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and from there, adjust to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the occupational 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 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed 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 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 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. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring price list 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 monitoring price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
