Working environment factors
How does Methyl parathion affect workers’ health?
Nov
Methyl-parathion ((CH3O)2P(S)OC6H4NO2) is a dangerous chemical commonly used in the manufacturing industry, but not everyone is fully aware of its impact on workers’ health. This article will help you better understand the health risks and necessary protective measures.
1. What is Methyl-parathion?
The chemical formula (CH3O)2P(S)OC6H4NO2 describes a complex organic compound belonging to the organophosphate group. It consists of two methoxy groups (CH3O) attached to a phosphorus atom (P), a thiophosphate group (P=S), and a nitro group (NO2) attached to a benzene ring (C6H4). This is a highly toxic compound, primarily used as an insecticide in agriculture, especially for controlling harmful insects.
With this complex chemical formula, Methyl-parathion has the ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve synapses, which disrupts nerve impulse transmission and causes symptoms of poisoning upon exposure. This chemical property makes it highly effective in controlling pests, but it also poses a danger to human health if not used and handled correctly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Metyl-parathion | Methyl-parathion | 29201100 | 298-00-0 | (CH3O)2P(S)OC6H4NO2 |
See more: Chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Methyl-parathion originate from in the production process?
During the production process, the source of Methyl-parathion is primarily from the use and processing of organophosphate compounds. This chemical is created when raw materials like phosphoric acid are treated with other compounds such as methanol and sulfonating agents, forming Methyl-parathion through a chemical reaction. The production process mainly takes place in pesticide manufacturing plants, where Methyl-parathion is formulated, packaged, and distributed.
When workers participate in these production stages, they may come into direct contact with Methyl-parathion by inhaling vapors, through skin contact, or via the digestive tract if protective measures are not in place. Additionally, during the storage, transportation, and use of the product, Methyl-parathion can also be generated from small chemical dust particles suspended in the air, posing a danger to those working in this environment.
3. Industries that use Methyl-parathion in production
Methyl-parathion is widely used in many industries, mainly in the agricultural sector and pesticide production. It is a common insecticide for protecting crops from harmful insects, especially sucking insects like aphids, caterpillars, and other types of worms. Pesticide manufacturing plants are the primary places where Methyl-parathion is produced and formulated to supply to farmers and agricultural production businesses.
Besides the agricultural sector, Methyl-parathion is also used in the food processing and other industrial product manufacturing industries, where pest control measures are needed. Companies that produce pesticides, including products specifically for crop protection, are also places where this chemical is likely to be present.
In addition, some industries that manufacture agricultural equipment, such as spraying machinery, may also come into contact with Methyl-parathion during the production and maintenance of the equipment. However, this level of exposure is less common compared to industries that directly produce and use pesticides.
4. How does Methyl-parathion affect workers?
When workers are exposed to Methyl-parathion, this chemical can cause serious health effects due to its toxicity. One of the main impacts of Methyl-parathion on workers is the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, a critical enzyme in the nervous system. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates in the synapses, causing a disruption in nerve impulse transmission, leading to poisoning symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, convulsions, and even coma.
In addition to its effect on the nervous system, Methyl-parathion can also affect the respiratory system when dust particles or vapors of this chemical are inhaled. Long-term exposure to these particles can cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia, asthma, or chronic lung diseases. If it comes into contact with the skin, Methyl-parathion can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, or severe allergic reactions.
Furthermore, long-term exposure to Methyl-parathion can also lead to dangerous long-term effects such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs. Workers in pesticide production or storage facilities, where they may be directly exposed to Methyl-parathion without adequate protective measures, are at a higher risk of facing serious health problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Methyl-parathion for human exposure
The safe concentration of Methyl-parathion for human exposure is regulated by health and occupational safety organizations to ensure the well-being of workers. According to international standards from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of Methyl-parathion in the air must be strictly controlled to avoid the risk of poisoning or serious health effects on workers.
Typically, the permissible concentration limit for Methyl-parathion in the air is very low, ranging from only 0.1 mg/m³ to 0.5 mg/m³, depending on the regulations of each country and the specific work environment. This level is established based on studies of safe exposure thresholds that do not cause immediate harm to workers. However, this exposure level only ensures safety for a certain period, usually an 8-hour workday.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Methyl-parathion. Organizations like 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 mitigate the effects of Methyl-parathion on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of Methyl-parathion on workers, preventive and protective measures must be strictly implemented during its production and use. First, one of the most important measures is to ensure effective ventilation in work areas. The ventilation system must be designed to dilute and remove Methyl-parathion vapors or dust from the air, helping to reduce the risk of inhaling the toxic chemical.
In addition to controlling the work environment, the use of personal protective equipment is a mandatory requirement for workers. Equipment such as chemical respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles must be provided and used properly to protect workers from direct contact with Methyl-parathion. Selecting and correctly using the right type of protective equipment suitable for the properties of this chemical is crucial to ensure its effectiveness.
Furthermore, workers who handle Methyl-parathion need to be trained and made aware of the health risks associated with this chemical. They should be instructed on safety measures, how to use and store the chemical, and how to respond in case of an exposure incident. Regular training and routine health checks help in the early detection of signs of poisoning or health damage caused by the chemical.
Finally, monitoring and controlling the concentration of Methyl-parathion in the work air must be carried out periodically. Chemical concentration measurement devices should be used to ensure that the level of Methyl-parathion in the air does not exceed the permissible safe limit. If signs of chemical contamination in the air are detected, prompt corrective measures, such as improving the ventilation system or reducing the use of Methyl-parathion, must be implemented immediately to protect workers’ 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 should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize work environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Work Environment Monitoring Center
The Work Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of work environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORK ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, addressing, and tracking work environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is dedicated to customer satisfaction, meeting all of their needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With its investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, the Nam Viet monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in the field of work 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 options possible.
- Along with a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By choosing the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also receive the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Work Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct work environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our clients a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for work environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Clients 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, clients can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of satisfaction through our professional quality service.
