Isodrin (C₁₂H₈Cl₆) is a hazardous chemical that can seriously affect the health of workers in a production environment. Long-term exposure can lead to poisoning, nerve damage, and many other health problems. So, what is the mechanism of action of Isodrin, and how can you protect yourself? Let’s find out!
1. What is Isodrin?
Isodrin is a chemical with the formula C₁₂H₈Cl₆, belonging to the organochlorine compound group. It is a synthetic pesticide with strong insecticidal properties, commonly used in agriculture. Isodrin has a complex molecular structure with twelve carbon (C) atoms, eight hydrogen (H) atoms, and six chlorine (Cl) atoms, forming a benzene ring structure with chlorine groups attached to different positions on the ring.
This structure gives Isodrin special chemical properties, making it easily soluble in organic solvents but poorly soluble in water. Therefore, it can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms upon long-term exposure. Isodrin is not only used to eliminate insects but also has applications in controlling pests in agriculture, especially in the production of crops such as corn, rice, and cotton.
However, with its strong chemical properties, Isodrin also poses serious health risks when workers are directly exposed in an unprotected production environment. The side effects of Isodrin on human health, especially the nervous system and other organs, have been widely studied and warned about.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Isodrin | Isodrin | 28089199 | 465-73-6 | C12H8Cl6 |
See more about the chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Where does Isodrin originate from during the production process?
During the production process, the source of this chemical mainly comes from stages related to the formulation and use of pesticides. When manufacturing plants use these chemicals to formulate pesticides or products containing organochlorine compounds, gases or liquids containing Isodrin can be released into the air or the working environment.
This substance can be released from processes such as mixing, formulating, or storing pesticides in containers or distribution systems. Furthermore, when workers directly handle products containing Isodrin without appropriate protective measures, they can be exposed through direct contact with these substances or by inhaling vapors or dust from the product.
The transportation or handling of products containing Isodrin can also create environmental risks, especially when there are leaks or loss of control during use. Due to the persistent nature of the compound, Isodrin can remain in the work environment for a long time, creating prolonged sources of exposure for workers.

3. Industries that use Isodrin in production
During production, the main source of this chemical usually comes from the processing and use of pesticides. Manufacturing plants or agricultural processing facilities use Isodrin as an ingredient in plant protection products. The process of mixing, packaging, or transporting pesticides can create gases or fine dust containing Isodrin, increasing the risk of exposure for workers.
Besides, when chemicals containing Isodrin are stored, especially in tanks or storage facilities, if there is no ventilation system or effective protective measures, the vapors of this substance can evaporate and spread into the air. This dispersal can be dangerous for workers in that area, especially with prolonged exposure to high concentrations.
Additionally, when cleaning or maintaining equipment that contains or transports compounds with Isodrin, residual chemical microparticles can be released into the work environment, creating a hazardous source.
4. How does Isodrin affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this chemical, the health effects can be very serious. After entering the body through the respiratory tract, skin, or digestion, this compound can accumulate in tissues, causing numerous health problems. One of the most significant effects is the negative impact on the nervous system. Workers may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, or even seizures with long-term exposure or high concentrations.
Besides the nervous system, other organs like the liver and kidneys are also affected due to Isodrin’s ability to be toxic to cells. When poisoned, these organs can experience inflammation, cell damage, or reduced function, leading to serious long-term health issues. People exposed to this chemical in the production environment may also experience respiratory problems, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and even lung damage.
Furthermore, exposure to Isodrin can cause skin problems like irritation, dermatitis, or rashes, especially when workers handle the chemical directly without using proper protective measures. This condition can worsen with prolonged contact or if other factors like skin wounds are present.
These effects not only occur immediately but can accumulate over time, leading to serious health problems in the future.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Isodrin for human exposure
In the workplace, the permissible safe concentration for exposure to this substance depends on standards set by health and occupational safety organizations. According to studies and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health protection agencies, the permissible exposure level for workers should be limited to minimize health risks.
For chemicals like Isodrin, these organizations often recommend a maximum Threshold Limit Value (TLV) in the air that a worker can inhale during a normal workday without adverse health effects. However, as it is a highly toxic compound, even low levels of exposure can be harmful if exposure is prolonged or repeated.
Studies show that the permissible safe concentration for Isodrin is typically set very low, and strict protective measures are necessary in production areas where this chemical is used.

At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Isodrin is crucial. 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 Isodrin on workers
To minimize the health effects of this chemical on workers, comprehensive and strict protective measures must be implemented in the production environment. One of the most important measures is the full use of personal protective equipment, such as respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and safety glasses. This equipment helps prevent direct contact with the chemical, especially when workers are handling products containing Isodrin or working in an environment with high concentrations of it.
Additionally, improving the ventilation system in the work area is essential to reduce the concentration of Isodrin gas in the air. An effective ventilation system will help remove toxic gases while providing fresh air for workers. This is particularly important in areas where pesticides containing Isodrin are produced, mixed, or stored.
Training and raising awareness for workers is also an indispensable factor. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about the health risks of chemical exposure and how to prevent them. Furthermore, managers and workers need to understand safety procedures and know how to handle incidents involving leaks or unwanted exposure to Isodrin.
Periodic health checks and monitoring for workers are also necessary to detect early signs of poisoning or negative effects from long-term exposure to this chemical. This allows for timely intervention to protect workers’ health.
Finally, ensuring a safe production process, including monitoring the quality of the work environment and other preventive measures, will help minimize risks and protect the health of workers when dealing with this chemical.
Occupational safety training: Workers must 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, thereby adjusting 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.

