Working environment factors
How does Zinc Peroxide affect workers’ health?
Aug
Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) is an important chemical in the manufacturing industry, but it can cause serious health effects for workers if not managed properly. This article will provide deep insights into the related health risks and how to protect yourself when working in an environment where ZnO2 is used.
1. What is Zinc peroxide?
Zinc peroxide, with the chemical formula ZnO2, is a chemical compound of zinc and oxygen. It is a form of zinc oxide, in which zinc combines with oxygen in a 1:2 ratio. Zinc peroxide usually appears as white crystals or white powder, and has fairly stable chemical properties.
Under normal conditions, zinc peroxide reacts little with other substances, but it can decompose when exposed to high temperatures or strong light, releasing oxygen and creating zinc oxide. Because of this property, zinc peroxide is often used in industrial applications such as bleaching agents, disinfectants, and in the production of rubber and plastics.
Zinc peroxide is known not only for its industrial applications but also for its potential health effects upon long-term or improper exposure. Therefore, understanding its properties and applications is crucial to ensure safety when working with this chemical.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical formula |
| 1. | Kẽm peroxit | Zinc peroxide | 28170020 | 1314-22-3 | ZnO2 |
See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Zinc peroxide originate from in the production process?
Zinc peroxide often arises during the production of zinc-containing products, especially in factories manufacturing rubber, plastics, and some other chemical products. During production, zinc peroxide can be formed as a byproduct or due to chemical reactions between zinc-containing substances and oxygen.
When zinc oxide (ZnO) or other zinc-containing compounds come into contact with oxygen in high-temperature environments or during processing, zinc peroxide can be created. The formation of zinc peroxide usually occurs in stages such as raw material preparation, mixing, or when zinc-containing compounds decompose.
In addition, zinc peroxide can also appear during work with zinc-containing products or when using zinc-containing additives in production. For example, in the rubber industry, zinc peroxide is used as a catalyst to improve the quality and properties of the product. However, during this process, a small amount of zinc peroxide may be generated and evaporate into the air or exist as dust in the working environment.
3. Industries that use Zinc peroxide in production
Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) is an important compound in many industries due to its chemical properties and diverse applications. One of the main industries using zinc peroxide is the rubber industry. In the rubber production process, zinc peroxide is used as a catalyst to improve the durability and elasticity of the product. Thanks to its ability to decompose and release oxygen, zinc peroxide helps enhance the vulcanization process, making the rubber more durable and have better properties.
Besides the rubber industry, zinc peroxide is also used in the plastics industry, especially in the production of synthetic plastics and composite materials. In this industry, zinc peroxide is used as a stabilizer and disinfectant, helping to improve the quality and durability of plastic products. It also plays an important role in controlling chemical reactions and facilitating plastic processing.
The paper industry is another field that uses zinc peroxide. In paper production, this compound is used to bleach paper and improve the brightness of the final product. Zinc peroxide helps remove impurities and makes the paper brighter without reducing its quality.
In addition, zinc peroxide is also applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing industries, especially in the formulation of skin care products and topical medications. With its disinfectant properties and ability to promote healing, zinc peroxide helps enhance the effectiveness of these products.
These applications show the diversity in the use of zinc peroxide across many different industries. However, exposure to zinc peroxide during production needs to be carefully managed to avoid potential risks to worker health.
4. How does Zinc peroxide affect workers
Zinc peroxide, despite its many important industrial applications, also poses significant health risks to workers. When exposed to zinc peroxide long-term or improperly, workers may experience several serious health problems.
First, zinc peroxide can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. In the work environment, zinc peroxide dust can easily come into contact with the skin and eyes, leading to irritation, redness, itching, or eye inflammation. These symptoms are often not serious, but if exposure is prolonged, they can lead to more severe health issues.
Inhaling zinc peroxide dust or vapor can affect the respiratory system. Common symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and respiratory inflammation. In severe cases, this can lead to chronic respiratory problems or worsen pre-existing conditions, such as asthma.
Furthermore, long-term exposure to zinc peroxide can cause systemic health problems. Some studies suggest that zinc peroxide may affect the body’s immune and digestive systems. This can lead to fatigue, reduced immunity, and digestive problems like nausea or stomach pain.
To minimize these negative effects, protective measures must be strictly implemented in the workplace. Workers should use adequate personal protective equipment such as masks, safety goggles, and gloves to avoid direct contact with zinc peroxide. At the same time, maintaining an effective ventilation system and implementing safe work procedures also play an important role in protecting worker health.
5. Safe permissible concentration of Zinc peroxide for human exposure
To ensure the health and safety of workers when working with zinc peroxide, determining the safe permissible concentration is very important. This concentration helps prevent health problems related to chemical exposure and ensures a healthy working environment.
According to international standards and regulations, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum concentration of zinc peroxide in the workplace air is usually specified. These standards often provide permissible threshold limit values, helping to limit workers’ exposure levels to zinc peroxide.
As recommended by these organizations, the permissible limit of zinc peroxide in the air should not exceed 0.5 mg/m³ in the working environment. This concentration level is determined based on research and assessment of potential health risks when exposed to zinc peroxide. This level aims to minimize the risk of skin, eye, and respiratory irritation related to the chemical.
To ensure that the zinc peroxide concentration in the working environment does not exceed the permissible level, businesses need to implement environmental control measures. Installing effective ventilation systems, using personal protective equipment, and regularly checking the chemical concentration in the air are important measures to help maintain the concentration at a safe level.
In addition, labor organizations and managers also need to provide training to workers on safety measures when working with zinc peroxide, including how to use protective equipment correctly and safe work procedures. Adhering to concentration regulations and safety measures will help protect worker health and minimize the risks associated with zinc peroxide in the production environment.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Zinc peroxide is important. 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 Zinc peroxide on workers
To minimize the health effects of zinc peroxide on workers, a series of effective protective and control measures must be implemented. These measures not only help protect worker health but also ensure a safe working environment.
First, controlling the concentration of zinc peroxide in the air is very important. Therefore, businesses need to equip and maintain an effective ventilation system in the work area. The ventilation system helps remove chemical dust and vapors from the air, thereby minimizing workers’ direct exposure to zinc peroxide. In addition, regular monitoring of zinc peroxide concentration in the air is necessary to ensure that the chemical level is always within safe limits.
Using personal protective equipment is another important measure. Workers should wear respirators, safety goggles, and gloves to protect their skin and respiratory system from zinc peroxide dust and vapors. Personal protective equipment needs to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure optimal protection effectiveness.
Furthermore, training and raising awareness for workers about the health risks associated with zinc peroxide and how to prevent them is also a key factor. Workers should be instructed on safe work procedures, how to use protective equipment correctly, and emergency response measures in case of an incident.
Attention should also be paid to managing and handling the chemical safely. Procedures for storing, transporting, and handling zinc peroxide must comply with strict safety regulations. The chemical should be stored in sealed containers and in a well-ventilated area, avoiding exposure to sunlight or high temperatures.
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 compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National occupational environment monitoring center
Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring center 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 OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “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 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.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s 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. Occupational environment monitoring quotation
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our quotation table 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 always ready to advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
