Working environment factors
How does Hexabromocyclododecane affect workers’ health?
Apr
Hexabromocyclododecane (C₁₂H₁₈Br₆) is a chemical commonly used in production, but few people know that it poses many risks to the health of workers. This article will reveal the dangerous effects and how to protect yourself when working with this chemical.
1. What is Hexabromocyclododecane?
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₂H₁₈Br₆, widely used as a flame retardant in industrial products. This compound exists as a white to off-white, odorless solid with a molecular weight of 641.7 g/mol. HBCD has very low solubility in water, about 65.6 µg/L at 20°C, but is slightly soluble in some organic solvents such as benzene and ethyl acetate.
Structurally, HBCD consists of a cyclododecane ring (a ring of 12 carbon atoms) with six bromine atoms attached at positions 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10. This compound has 16 different stereoisomers, with the three main forms being α-HBCD, β-HBCD, and γ-HBCD. Each of these isomers has a different melting point: α-HBCD from 179–181°C, β-HBCD from 170–172°C, and γ-HBCD from 207–209°C.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hexabrom xyclo dodecan | Hexabromo cyclo dodecane | 29038900 | 3194-55-6; 134237-50-6; 134237-51-7; 134237-52-8; 25637-99-4 |
C₁₂H₁₈Br₆ |
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2. Where does Hexabromocyclododecane originate from in the production process?
During industrial production, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is created through the bromination reaction of 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene (CDT). CDT is an organic compound synthesized from the trimerization of butadiene, forming a cyclododecatriene ring with three double bonds.
In this reaction, CDT is reacted with liquid bromine in an organic solvent, usually ethanol or a mixture of ethanol with other solvents such as benzene or perchloroethylene, to produce HBCD. This bromination process takes place at temperatures from -20°C to 50°C, with a bromine/CDT molar ratio of not less than 3.0.
During this process, CDT is slowly added to the bromine solution in the solvent, with the CDT concentration ranging from 0.1 to 20% weight/volume relative to the reaction solvent.
After the reaction is complete, the HBCD product is separated by filtration or centrifugation, then washed and dried to obtain the final product.
3. Industries that use Hexabromocyclododecane in production
In the construction sector, this compound is primarily used in the production of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam to serve as thermal insulation material for buildings.
In the textile industry, it is used for flame retardant treatment of fabrics used in the manufacturing of upholstered furniture and seating in transportation vehicles.
Additionally, this compound is also applied in the production of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) plastic for the casings of electronic devices and in flame retardant coatings for some other products.
4. How does Hexabromocyclododecane affect workers?
Exposure to hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in the workplace can cause many negative effects on the health of workers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), both short-term and long-term inhalation of HBCD can lead to problems with the thyroid, liver, and reproductive and developmental systems. These effects include increased liver weight, changes in liver enzyme levels, and thyroid hormone disruption.
Furthermore, research has shown that continuous exposure to HBCD can affect the nervous system, causing changes in spontaneous behavior and memory impairment. Laboratory studies also indicate that HBCD can act as an anti-androgen and inhibit the aromatase enzyme, affecting the steroid hormone system.
Notably, a study in China estimated that about 72% of workers in the HBCD industry are at risk of occupational exposure to this compound, with internal exposure levels ranging from 0.61 to 840 μg/kg/day.
These findings underscore the importance of implementing strict protective and control measures to minimize health risks for workers exposed to HBCD in industrial environments.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexabromocyclododecane for human exposure
Currently, no specific information has been found regarding established occupational exposure limits (OELs) for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD).
However, some studies have assessed the exposure levels of workers to HBCD in the workplace.
For example, a study in China estimated that the internal exposure levels of workers ranged from 0.61 to 840 μg/kg/day, indicating that about 72% of workers in this industry are at risk of occupational exposure. Due to the lack of specific OELs for HBCD, assessing and controlling exposure in the work environment becomes more difficult.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Hexabromocyclododecane. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Hexabromocyclododecane on worker health
To minimize the health effects of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) on workers, strict control and protection measures must be implemented in the workplace.
First, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and masks is necessary to prevent direct contact with HBCD.
Simultaneously, improving the ventilation system at the workplace helps reduce the concentration of HBCD in the air, limiting the risk of inhaling this chemical.
Additionally, providing adequate training and information to workers about the risks associated with HBCD and how to prevent them also plays a crucial role in protecting health.
Finally, implementing industrial hygiene measures such as cleaning the work area and properly disposing of HBCD-containing waste will help minimize exposure 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 should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with 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 Center for Workplace Environment Monitoring
The workplace environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for supervising and measuring the quality of the working environment in all provinces across 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 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:
- 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.
- Along 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. Price quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced price list for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our 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 price list, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
