Working environment factors
How does Isopropyl Benzene (Cumene) affect workers’ health?
Apr
Cumene (C9H12) is a common industrial chemical, but few know that it poses many risks to the health of workers. This article will reveal the dangerous effects of Cumene and how to protect yourself when working in an environment with this chemical.
1. What is Cumene?
Cumene, also known as isopropylbenzene, is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic hydrocarbon group, with the chemical formula C₉H₁₂. The structure of cumene consists of a benzene ring linked to an isopropyl group (-CH(CH₃)₂), resulting in the structural formula C₆H₅–CH(CH₃)₂. Under normal conditions, cumene exists as a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild aromatic odor.
Cumene is primarily produced through the alkylation of benzene with propylene, using a strong acid catalyst such as phosphoric acid or zeolite to increase reaction efficiency. This reaction takes place under high temperature and pressure conditions, producing cumene with high efficiency and low production cost.
As an important intermediate raw material, cumene is mainly used in the production of phenol and acetone through the cumene hydroperoxide process. In addition, cumene is also used in the production of polymers, plasticizers, and fragrances.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Isopropyl benzen (Cumen) | Cumene | 29027000 | 98-82-8 | C9H12 |
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2. Where does Cumene originate from during the production process?
In industrial production, cumene is mainly generated from the alkylation reaction between benzene and propylene, using an acid catalyst such as phosphoric acid or zeolite. This reaction takes place at high temperature and pressure, producing cumene with high efficiency and low production cost.
In addition, cumene can also be generated from the distillation of coal tar and petroleum fractions. In manufacturing plants, cumene can also be generated from the oxidation of propylene and benzene in an acidic environment, usually sulfuric acid, to create cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), which is then decomposed into cumene.
Besides the main production processes, cumene can also be generated from oil refining, the combustion of petroleum products, and in industries such as rubber, paper, plastic, and paint manufacturing.
3. Industries that use Cumene in production
In the industrial sector, cumene is widely used in many different industries. One of the main applications of cumene is as an intermediate raw material in the production of phenol and acetone, two important compounds in the chemical industry. Phenol and acetone are used to produce plastics, paints, adhesives, and many other products.
In addition, cumene is also used in the production of acrylic acid, an important carboxylic acid used to produce acrylic polymers. Acrylic polymers have diverse applications in fields such as medical technology, industry, and household goods.
Cumene is also used as a solvent in the production of paints, aerosol sprays, and enamels. With its slow evaporation rate and good solubility, cumene helps to enhance the gloss and durability of the final product.
Furthermore, cumene is used in the production of detergents and is a component of high-octane aviation fuel.
With such diverse applications, cumene plays an important role in many different industrial sectors.
4. How does Cumene affect workers?
Workers exposed to cumene can experience many negative health effects through inhalation, skin contact, and eye contact.
Inhaling cumene vapor can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.
Direct contact with the skin can cause irritation, rashes, itching, and dermatitis.
In addition, long-term exposure to cumene can affect the liver, as cumene is metabolized in the body into toxic substances that have an adverse effect on the liver.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cumene for human exposure
Currently, specific information on safe exposure concentrations for Cumene has not been found in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining the safe level of exposure to Cumene requires reference to international standards and good practices in the industry.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Isopropylbenzene (Cumene). 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 Cumene on worker health
To minimize the effects of cumene on worker health, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive set of technical, organizational, and personal measures to control and limit exposure levels in the work environment.
First, ensuring an effective ventilation system is a key factor. Areas where cumene is produced or stored need to be equipped with a mechanical or natural ventilation system to reduce the concentration of chemical vapors in the air, while also preventing the accumulation of flammable gases.
Next, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the level of risk. This includes respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and specialized clothing to prevent direct contact with cumene through the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
Monitoring the work environment also plays an important role. Periodic measurements of cumene concentration in the air at the workplace should be carried out to ensure it does not exceed the permissible limits according to regulations. If the concentration is found to exceed the threshold, corrective measures such as increasing ventilation or adjusting the production process must be applied immediately.
In addition, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks and preventive measures when working with cumene is necessary. Chemical safety training programs should be organized periodically to update knowledge and skills for handling emergency situations.
Finally, strict compliance with regulations on occupational safety and chemicals, such as the Law on Chemicals and related guiding circulars, is the legal basis for ensuring a safe working environment 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:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
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- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and 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 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.
- We commit 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 monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing you the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
