Working environment factors
How does Pensunfothion affect workers’ health?
Jan
In this article, we will explore the dangerous impact of Pensulfothion (C11H17O4PS2) on the health of workers in factories that use this chemical. The potential risks, symptoms of poisoning, and preventive measures will be clarified to help protect workers’ health in the working environment.
1. What is Pensulfothion?
Pensulfothion, with the chemical formula C11H17O4PS2, is an organophosphate compound, primarily used in the crop protection industry. It is a type of pesticide that inhibits the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, an important enzyme in the nervous system of animals and humans.
The chemical formula C11H17O4PS2 indicates that each molecule of Pensulfothion consists of 11 carbon (C) atoms, 17 hydrogen (H) atoms, 4 oxygen (O) atoms, 1 phosphorus (P) atom, and 2 sulfur (S) atoms. The combination of these elements creates a unique molecular structure that can interact strongly with agricultural pests. However, due to its toxic nature, Pensulfothion can also be hazardous to human health, especially for workers who come into direct contact with this chemical in the workplace.
When used in manufacturing plants or during the processing of agricultural products, Pensulfothion can exist in liquid or powder form. Long-term exposure or contact with large amounts of this chemical can cause adverse health effects, particularly on the nervous system.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Pensunfothion | Pensulfothion | 29309090 | 115-90-2 | C11H17O4PS2 |
See more chemical safety training services under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. What are the sources of Pensulfothion during the production process?
The sources of Pensulfothion during the production process mainly come from the use and handling of products containing this chemical in factories. In pesticide or agricultural product manufacturing plants, Pensulfothion is formulated and used directly to control pests. This production process often involves mixing chemical components to create the final product.
Furthermore, during formulation and packaging, dust or vapor of Pensulfothion can be released into the surrounding environment. Direct contact with workers during production, packaging, transportation, or storage can be a primary source of exposure. When this chemical is not tightly controlled in production areas, workers can easily be exposed to it through the air, skin, or contaminated equipment and tools.
Additionally, in agricultural processing plants or when Pensulfothion is used in food processing, this substance can also be released into the air or wastewater if effective environmental control measures are not in place. These are the potential sources of Pensulfothion generation during the production process.
3. Industries that use Pensulfothion in production
Industries that use Pensulfothion in production mainly include agriculture, food processing, and pesticide manufacturing. In the agricultural sector, this chemical is used to protect crops from pests, especially in crops such as rice, corn, and vegetables. Workers in agricultural processing plants often come into contact with Pensulfothion when handling or packaging products that have been treated with the pesticide.
In addition, Pensulfothion is also used in the pesticide and industrial chemical manufacturing industry. Pesticide manufacturing plants formulate or process these compounds to create commercial products for agricultural needs. In the food processing industry, although this chemical is less commonly used directly in the product, it may be present during the preservation or processing of raw agricultural materials before they enter production.
Furthermore, other industries such as textiles or paper manufacturing may also use Pensulfothion in their production processes, although its role is not as significant as in the agricultural or pesticide manufacturing sectors.
4. How does Pensulfothion affect workers?
When workers are exposed to Pensulfothion, especially in a work environment lacking protective measures, they can face serious health effects. This chemical can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or ingestion if workers accidentally swallow it or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
With long-term or high-concentration exposure, Pensulfothion can cause acute and chronic poisoning symptoms. Acute poisoning can lead to nervous system problems, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and breathing disorders. If not treated promptly, the symptoms can become more severe, affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory functions of the worker.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to Pensulfothion can cause chronic diseases, affecting the central nervous system, reducing cognitive function, and increasing the risk of conditions like depression or anxiety. Those working in the agricultural or pesticide manufacturing industries are at higher risk because they are frequently exposed to this chemical.
These health effects not only have a direct impact on workers but can also affect their quality of life in the long term, causing both psychological and physical health problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Pensulfothion for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Pensulfothion for human exposure is regulated by standards and guidelines from occupational safety and health agencies. These limits are determined based on studies of the chemical’s toxicity, aimed at protecting workers from health risks due to long-term or high-level exposure.
According to regulations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and agencies like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the concentration of Pensulfothion in the air must not exceed a certain level, typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). This concentration is set to ensure that the level of exposure does not pose a risk of acute poisoning or serious health problems for workers.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Pensulfothion. 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 minimize the effects of Pensulfothion on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Pensulfothion on workers’ health, preventive and protective measures play a crucial role. One of the most important measures is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and goggles to prevent direct contact of the chemical with the body. This protective equipment helps minimize the risk of inhaling chemical dust or vapor, as well as skin contact during work.
In addition, factories or production areas must maintain a good ventilation system to reduce the concentration of chemicals in the air, helping to maintain a safe working environment for employees. Organizing training sessions on occupational safety and awareness of the harms of Pensulfothion is also an effective measure. Workers need to be trained to recognize the signs of poisoning and understand how to handle incidents.
Furthermore, personal hygiene and workplace sanitation also play an important role in minimizing exposure risk. Workers should change out of their protective gear when leaving the work area and wash their hands, face, or any parts that have come into contact with the chemical. Equipment and tools should be cleaned thoroughly and checked regularly to ensure they are not contaminated.
Finally, periodic health monitoring for workers helps in the early detection of signs of poisoning or potential health problems, allowing for timely intervention and ensuring the safety of workers during their work.
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, and thereby adjust to reduce hazard levels 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 SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists 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 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.
- 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 valued customers a price list for occupational environment monitoring services that is high-quality and reasonably priced.
- Our quotation 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 consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
