Working environment factors
How does Propachlor impact workers’ health?
Apr
Propachlor (C19H26O4S) – a common chemical in industry – could it be silently threatening workers’ health? This article will reveal the hazardous effects of long-term exposure and ways to protect yourself in a high-risk working environment.
1. What is Propachlor?
Propachlor is a chemical compound belonging to the amide group, commonly used as a herbicide in agriculture. Its molecular formula is C9H16ClNO, with a molecular weight of approximately 189.68 g/mol. This compound usually appears as a pale yellow liquid, has a characteristic odor, and is soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and ethanol.
Propachlor works by inhibiting protein synthesis in plants, thereby preventing their growth. It is typically applied pre-emergence to control weeds in crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. However, the use of Propachlor must be strictly controlled due to its potential health and environmental hazards if not handled properly.
| No. | Chemical Name (Vietnamese) | Chemical Name (English) | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Propargit | Propachlor | 29309090 | 2312-35-8 | C19H26O4S |
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2. Where does Propachlor originate in the production process?
During production, this compound is synthesized through a reaction between aniline and 2-chloropropane at a temperature of about 130–140 °C and a pressure of approximately 1 MPa to produce N-isopropylaniline. Then, the reaction mixture is cooled to around 95 °C, followed by the gradual addition of chloroacetyl chloride, continuing the reaction at 100 °C for 3 hours to obtain the final product.
Throughout this process, major sources of emissions include gas released from chemical reactions, solvent vapors evaporating during heating and cooling, as well as solid waste from purification and filtration steps. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, methanol, and methyl chloride may disperse into the air if collection and treatment systems are not effective.
Additionally, using non-sealed equipment or inefficient ventilation systems during production can lead to the release of toxic gases into the surrounding environment. Strict control of these emission sources is necessary to ensure worker safety and minimize environmental impact.
3. Industries using Propachlor in production
Propachlor is a herbicide widely used in agriculture to control annual weeds and some broadleaf species. Industries using Propachlor in production include:
Crop farming: Propachlor is commonly applied in crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, sugarcane, sugar beet, vegetables, forage crops, and pasture grass. It is typically used pre-emergence to prevent weed growth, helping increase crop yield.
Pesticide manufacturing and formulation: Pesticide factories use Propachlor as a primary ingredient to produce wettable powders, granules, or concentrated solutions. These products are supplied to farmers and agricultural businesses for crop cultivation.
Agricultural research and development: Research institutes and agricultural development organizations use Propachlor in experiments and studies to improve weed control efficiency and develop sustainable farming practices.
Agricultural services and consulting: Companies providing agricultural services and technical consulting use Propachlor as part of weed management solutions for clients, including guidance on dosage, timing, and proper application methods.
These industries all involve the use of Propachlor in production and weed management, contributing to improved crop efficiency and protection of yields.
4. How Propachlor affects workers
Workers exposed to Propachlor during production or application may experience various adverse health effects. A study recorded that among 79 workers involved in producing Propachlor-containing products, 19% developed contact dermatitis, showing symptoms such as redness and blisters on the hands and forearms.
Additionally, Propachlor is recognized as a systemic toxin capable of damaging multiple organs if exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations. Animal studies indicate that this compound can cause skin and eye irritation and affect the central nervous system.
Although there is insufficient data to fully assess Propachlor’s carcinogenic potential in humans, long-term exposure to this chemical is considered potentially hazardous and must be strictly controlled.
5. Safe exposure levels of Propachlor for humans
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure levels for Propachlor in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels should reference international standards and good industrial practices. 
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, complying with safety standards and limiting exposure to Propargit is essential. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of Propachlor on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Propachlor on workers’ health, coordinated control measures should be implemented following the “hierarchy of hazard controls” recommended by organizations such as the CDC and OSHA. First, consider replacing Propachlor with less toxic compounds if possible.
If replacement is not feasible, technical measures should be applied, such as installing general ventilation systems and local exhaust systems in high-risk areas to reduce airborne Propachlor concentrations and limit worker exposure.
Additionally, establishing safe working procedures, training staff on proper chemical handling, and conducting regular workplace monitoring are important administrative measures.
Finally, providing full personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing is necessary to protect workers from direct contact with Propachlor.
Occupational safety training: Workers should be educated on the risks and safety measures when handling this chemical. Training should be provided regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors, helps adjust and reduce risks to prevent occupational diseases.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
Besides providing monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, handling, and following up on workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center focuses on client satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to delivering the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value the reputation of our brand and the quality of our services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions.
- Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in monitoring, along with the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses perform workplace environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides clients with a detailed pricing list for workplace environmental monitoring services that is of high quality and reasonably priced.
- Our pricing list provides detailed information about the costs of the monitoring services we offer, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can fully trust the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
- We are committed to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are always ready to answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s pricing list, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
