Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride (C9H12O3) is a chemical commonly used in manufacturing plants, but did you know it can seriously affect workers’ health? This article will help you understand the related health risks and the necessary protective measures to ensure a safe working environment.
1. What is Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride?
Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride (C9H12O3) is a chemical compound belonging to the phthalic anhydride group, commonly used in the chemical and manufacturing industries. Its chemical formula is C9H12O3, indicating that the molecular structure of this compound consists of 9 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms.
This compound is characterized as colorless, with a mild odor, and often appears as a liquid or solid depending on storage conditions. Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is used primarily as an ingredient in plastic and paint products, as well as in the production processes of adhesives and additives.
Due to its special chemical properties, hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride can react with other compounds to create products with superior properties, such as high durability and good chemical resistance. However, because it can cause undesirable effects on workers’ health, understanding the properties and effects of this compound is very important in managing occupational safety.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Hexahydrometyl phthalic anhydrit | Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride | 29172000 | 25550-51-0 | C9H12O3 |
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2.Where does Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride originate from in the production process?
Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride, with the chemical formula C9H12O3, mainly appears in the production process of chemical and industrial products. The source of this compound often comes from the production processes of plastics, paints, adhesives, and other industrial additives.
In the plastics industry, hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is used as an intermediate to synthesize polymers and copolymers, contributing to the creation of plastic products with superior mechanical and chemical properties. In the paint production process, this compound is used to improve the adhesion and wear resistance of the paint layer.
Besides, this compound also appears in the production processes of adhesives and industrial additives. In these processes, hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride plays an important role in improving the properties of the final product, such as durability, toughness, and resistance to environmental impacts.
However, the use and handling of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride can lead to the emission of vapors or dust of this compound into the air, the working environment, and can affect the health of workers if not strictly controlled. Therefore, understanding the source of the compound and implementing protective measures is very important to ensure safety in the industrial environment.

3. Industries that use Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride in production
Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride (C9H12O3) is a chemical compound widely used in many different industries thanks to its superior properties in improving product quality. One of the main industries using this compound is the plastics manufacturing industry. In this industry, hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is often used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various polymers and copolymers. It helps improve the mechanical properties of plastics, such as durability, wear resistance, and toughness.
In addition to the plastics industry, hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is also used in the production of paints and coatings. In this process, this compound plays an important role in enhancing the adhesion of paint to the surface of other materials. It also improves the durability of the paint layer, helping the product resist the effects of environmental factors such as sunlight and moisture.
This compound is also present in the adhesive manufacturing industry. Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride helps create adhesives with high adhesion, resistance to harsh environmental factors, and the ability to hold materials together effectively.
Furthermore, in the additive manufacturing industry, this compound also plays an important role in improving product features, such as durability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
4. How does Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride affect workers?
Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride, despite its many important industrial applications, can also seriously affect workers’ health if not controlled and handled properly. When exposed to this compound, workers may experience health problems due to its chemical properties.
One of the common effects of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. This compound can cause symptoms such as skin redness, itching, or rashes upon direct contact with the skin. If this compound is inhaled, it can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and sore throat. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia or chronic respiratory diseases.
Regarding long-term effects, studies show that prolonged exposure to hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride can lead to more serious health problems, including a high risk of chronic skin and respiratory diseases. People working in environments with high concentrations of this compound must adhere to personal protective measures, such as wearing gloves, masks, and safety goggles, to minimize the risk of exposure.
In addition, exposure to this compound can also affect the mental health of workers, causing feelings of anxiety and stress due to unwanted symptoms and concerns about potential health problems. This increases work pressure and reduces work efficiency.
To protect workers’ health, companies must implement strict safety management measures, including providing protective equipment, conducting environmental monitoring and inspection procedures, and training workers on how to prevent and handle situations related to hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride for human exposure
To protect workers’ health when exposed to hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride, determining the safe concentration of this compound in the work environment is very important. The permissible safe concentration of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is regulated based on standards and guidelines from international and national occupational health and safety organizations.
According to regulations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the maximum permissible concentration of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride in workplace air is typically set at 1 mg/m³ (milligrams per cubic meter). This is the concentration level that workers can be exposed to during an 8-hour workday without causing serious health effects.
In Vietnam, standards for the safe concentration of this compound are also regulated by functional agencies such as the Ministry of Labour – Invalids and Social Affairs, where the maximum permissible concentration levels may be similar or adjusted depending on the specific factors of each industry and specific working conditions.
To ensure safety, companies and production facilities need to implement regular inspection and monitoring measures for the concentration of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride in the work air. This can be done by using gas concentration measuring devices and conducting periodic environmental analyses. If the concentration exceeds the permissible level, mitigation and control measures must be applied immediately, such as improving ventilation, using personal protective equipment, and implementing safe work procedures.
Maintaining the concentration of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride at a safe level not only helps protect workers’ health but also ensures compliance with occupational safety regulations, thereby creating a safe and efficient working environment.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride. 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 Hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride on workers’ health, applying prevention and control measures is very important. These measures not only help protect workers’ health but also ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations.
First, controlling the source of hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride in the work environment is essential. Companies should implement equipment inspection and maintenance measures to minimize the emission of this compound into the air. Ventilation equipment and systems should be properly designed and maintained to ensure ventilation and reduce the concentration of the compound in the air.
Besides, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important measure to protect workers. For those working directly with hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride, wearing gloves, masks, and safety goggles helps minimize direct contact with this compound. Protective equipment should be checked periodically to ensure it works effectively and replaced promptly when damaged.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks associated with hexahydromethyl phthalic anhydride is also an important part of the health protection strategy. Workers need to be clearly instructed on how to use protective equipment, safe work procedures, and measures to take when incidents related to this compound occur.
At the same time, implementing periodic health monitoring programs for workers is also a necessary measure. Periodic health check-ups and medical examinations help detect early signs of impact and intervene promptly, thereby minimizing serious health problems that may occur.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about 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 workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze 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 for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment in all provinces throughout Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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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, 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 been and is becoming 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 customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced and professional Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- Coming to 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 customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. Including 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 commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to consult and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.

