Working environment factors
How does Naphthalene affect workers’ health?
Aug
Naphthalene (C10H8) is a common chemical in many manufacturing plants, but its impact on worker health can be very serious. This article will help you understand the health risks, exposure symptoms, and necessary preventive measures when working with naphthalene.
1. What is Naphthalene?
Naphthalene, with the chemical formula C10H8, is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic hydrocarbon group. It is one of the simplest aromatic hydrocarbons and has a characteristic molecular structure with two benzene rings fused together, forming a two-ring structure called naphthalene.
At standard conditions, naphthalene appears as white crystals, has a characteristic odor, and is volatile. This compound is often used in products such as insecticides, deodorizers, and in the dyeing industry to color products. In addition, naphthalene also plays an important role in the production of plastics and other chemicals.
However, the prevalence of naphthalene in industrial applications also comes with potential hazards to human health. When exposed to naphthalene, especially in workplaces lacking proper ventilation or protection, workers can experience serious health problems. Therefore, understanding the nature and effects of naphthalene is very important to ensure occupational safety and the health of users.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Naphthalen | Naphthalene | 29029090 | 91-20-3 | C10H8 |
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2. Where does Naphthalene originate from in the production process?
The organic compound Naphthalene can arise from many sources during the production process, especially in industries that use or produce products containing this chemical. One of the main sources of naphthalene is from the processing of coal and petroleum. In the coal processing industry, naphthalene is created when coal is heated in low-oxygen conditions, leading to the decomposition of organic compounds present in the coal.
In addition, naphthalene can also be generated during the production of plastics, especially polyethylene and PVC plastics, where naphthalene is used as an auxiliary component to improve the properties of the product. In the dyeing industry, naphthalene serves as an important intermediate in the production of various dyes and pigments.
Naphthalene is also present in consumer products such as deodorizers and insecticides. When these products are used or handled in a production environment, they can release naphthalene into the air, leading to worker exposure to this compound.
3. Industries that use Naphthalene in production
Naphthalene is a compound widely used in many different industries due to its special properties. One of the main industries using naphthalene is the chemical industry. In this industry, naphthalene is often used as a raw material to produce other chemical compounds such as phthalic acid, plastics, and various dyes. This is an important part of manufacturing plastics and synthetic materials.
The textile dyeing industry is also a field that uses naphthalene. Naphthalene is used as an intermediate in the dye production process, helping to create colors for fabrics and fibers. The presence of naphthalene in dyes contributes to improving the durability and brightness of colors on textile products.
In addition, naphthalene is also used in the pesticide and insecticide industry. In these products, naphthalene acts as a deodorizer and disinfectant, helping to protect food and agricultural products from insect infestation.
The coal and petroleum processing industry is also a source of naphthalene use. During the processing and refining of coal, naphthalene is created as a byproduct. Similarly, in the petroleum industry, naphthalene is a component in products refined from oil.
4. How does Naphthalene affect workers
Naphthalene, despite its many industrial applications, poses significant risks to the health of workers exposed to this compound. When inhaling or coming into contact with naphthalene, the first symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. These symptoms often occur when naphthalene evaporates into the air and is inhaled over a long period.
Chronic exposure to naphthalene can lead to more serious problems. One of the long-term effects of naphthalene is the development of respiratory diseases. Workers may experience asthma, pneumonia, or other lung problems as naphthalene irritates and damages lung tissue. In addition, naphthalene can also affect the circulatory system, causing anemia and reduced circulatory capacity.
Naphthalene also has the potential to be toxic to red blood cells, leading to anemia or hemolytic conditions. When naphthalene enters the body through the digestive tract or skin, it can cause damage to cells and tissues, affecting the overall health of the worker. These problems can be more severe for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
In particular, naphthalene can cause serious health effects for children and pregnant women. With long-term exposure or high concentrations, it can cause developmental problems for children and potential risks to the fetus.
These impacts highlight the necessity of implementing strict protective and preventive measures when working with naphthalene. These measures include using personal protective equipment, maintaining good ventilation in the work area, and adhering to occupational safety regulations to minimize exposure to naphthalene and protect workers’ health.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Naphthalene for human exposure
When working with naphthalene, ensuring a safe concentration of this compound in the air is very important to protect workers’ health. Health organizations and regulatory agencies have established limits on naphthalene concentrations to minimize exposure risk and related health impacts.
According to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the concentration of naphthalene in the workplace air should not exceed 10 mg/m³ (or about 0.1 ppm) over an 8-hour workday. This limit aims to minimize prolonged exposure and the risk of adverse health effects.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides safe naphthalene concentration levels for living environments. Accordingly, the concentration of naphthalene in the ambient air should not exceed 0.3 mg/m³. This level ensures that people are not adversely affected by exposure to naphthalene in living areas and the surrounding environment.
To maintain naphthalene concentrations within safe limits, workplace environment control measures are essential. This includes installing effective ventilation systems, regularly checking naphthalene concentrations in the air, and applying personal protective methods such as respirators and other protective equipment.
In addition to controlling air concentrations, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks of naphthalene and preventive measures is also an important factor. Thus, maintaining naphthalene concentrations within safe limits not only protects workers’ health but also helps improve the overall working environment.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Naphthalene. 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 impact of Naphthalene on workers’ health
To protect workers’ health from the impact of naphthalene, implementing risk minimization measures is very necessary. These measures include not only controlling naphthalene concentrations in the air but also specific actions aimed at minimizing exposure and protecting workers.
First, maintaining an effective ventilation system is very important. A good ventilation system helps reduce the concentration of naphthalene in the air, while also removing toxic chemical vapors from the work area. Ventilation systems must be regularly maintained to ensure effective operation and meet safety standards.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is a direct protective measure for workers. For jobs with a high risk of exposure to naphthalene, workers should wear respiratory protection masks, gloves, and protective clothing. This equipment helps limit direct contact with naphthalene and protects sensitive body areas.
Training and raising awareness for workers is an important part of minimizing the impact of naphthalene. Training programs should focus on recognizing the signs of naphthalene exposure, understanding the health risks, and the necessary preventive measures. A clear understanding of the risks and prevention measures helps workers be more proactive in protecting themselves.
At the same time, checking and monitoring naphthalene concentrations in the air needs to be done regularly. Concentration measuring devices must be calibrated periodically to ensure accurate measurements. If naphthalene concentrations are found to exceed safe levels, corrective actions must be taken immediately, such as increasing ventilation or reducing production activities.
And along with that, emergency response planning cannot be overlooked. There need to be clear procedures and detailed instructions for emergency situations related to naphthalene exposure, including first aid steps, incident reporting, and safe handling methods.
These measures, along with the commitment of both workers and management, will help minimize the negative impact of naphthalene on health, while creating a safe and healthy working environment.
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 hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide workplace environment monitoring center
Nam Viet’s workplace environment monitoring center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of 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.
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8. Workplace environment monitoring quotation
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