Working environment factors
How does Rotenone affect workers’ health?
Sep
Rotenone (C23H22O6) is a common chemical in manufacturing, but its impact on workers’ health is concerning. This article will explore in detail how Rotenone affects health when working in an environment where this chemical is used, along with effective protective measures.
1. What is Rotenone?
Rotenone, with the chemical formula C23H22O6, is a natural organic compound extracted from the roots of certain plant species such as the tuba plant (Derris) and lancepods (Lonchocarpus). Rotenone is commonly used as a pesticide due to its ability to inhibit the respiratory process of insects, causing suffocation and death. This makes it a popular chemical in the agricultural and food processing industries.
Structurally, Rotenone belongs to the isoflavonoid group and has a white or colorless crystalline form. It is insoluble in water but can dissolve in organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, and ether. Rotenone has been known and used for a long time, especially in controlling insects and pests on crops.
However, with its toxicity to both insects and mammals, including humans, exposure to Rotenone in a production environment requires caution and necessary occupational safety measures.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Rotenon | Rotenone | 29329990 | 83-79-4 | C23H22O6 |
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2. Where does Rotenone originate from in the production process?
In the production process, Rotenone is usually extracted from naturally occurring plant species, particularly from the roots of the tuba plant (Derris) and lancepods (Lonchocarpus). These are two common plant species in tropical regions, where they have long been used in folk practices as a fish poison and for insect control. The extraction of Rotenone from these plants is typically done by soaking the plant roots in an organic solvent like alcohol, acetone, or ether to dissolve the compound and separate it from other plant components.
In industry, Rotenone is synthesized and purified for use as an effective pesticide. It often appears in agricultural production and food processing, where pest control is needed without leaving significant chemical residues on the final product. Rotenone is insoluble in water and easily decomposes when exposed to sunlight and air, which helps to minimize its negative impact on the surrounding environment.
However, during production in factories, Rotenone can be generated as gas or dust during processing and packaging stages. When in direct contact or inhaling dust particles containing Rotenone, workers can face numerous health risks, especially without adequate personal protective equipment. Therefore, controlling the work environment and providing personal protective equipment is essential to ensure worker safety.
3. Industries that use Rotenone in production
Rotenone is widely used in many industries, particularly in agriculture and pest control. In agriculture, Rotenone is used as a natural pesticide to control various insect pests on crops, such as thrips, aphids, and caterpillars. Due to its plant-based origin and biodegradability, Rotenone is often favored in organic farming, which requires limited use of synthetic pesticides that pose a risk of high residue levels in the soil and crops.
In addition, Rotenone is also applied in the aquaculture industry to eliminate unwanted fish species in lakes, ponds, and rivers. In these cases, Rotenone is dissolved in the water to paralyze the respiratory system of the fish without long-term effects on water quality. This is a commonly used method to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem in commercial fish farming areas.
Besides agriculture and aquaculture, Rotenone is also used in scientific research, especially research related to Parkinson’s disease. Due to its ability to inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory chain, Rotenone has been used in many experiments to simulate neurodegenerative conditions in humans. However, this also raises concerns about the impact of Rotenone on the health of workers with long-term exposure, especially in industries and scientific research that use this chemical.
4. How does Rotenone affect workers?
Rotenone can cause many negative effects on the health of workers with long-term exposure or at high concentrations. Although it is a natural chemical, Rotenone can have a strong impact on the nervous and respiratory systems. When inhaling Rotenone dust or through skin contact, workers may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. These effects often appear immediately after exposure, but in many cases, they can develop silently and accumulate over time.
One of the most serious effects of Rotenone is its potential to damage the nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that Rotenone can inhibit mitochondrial activity in nerve cells, leading to functional decline and neurodegeneration. This is particularly dangerous for workers who are regularly exposed to Rotenone during production without being equipped with appropriate safety measures. Animal studies have even shown a link between Rotenone and Parkinson’s disease, as prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing this condition.
In addition, Rotenone can cause respiratory problems, especially when inhaled over a long period. Initial symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. If not controlled and treated promptly, workers may develop chronic diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system.
Because of these potential risks, workers in industries using Rotenone need to be protected with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing. At the same time, factories and production facilities must ensure safe working conditions, including good ventilation and regular checks of Rotenone concentration in the air to minimize health risks for workers.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Rotenone for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Rotenone for human exposure is strictly regulated to protect workers’ health, especially in a production environment. According to international health and occupational safety agencies, the maximum permissible concentration of Rotenone in the workplace air should generally not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) over an 8-hour workday. This limit is set to ensure that continuous exposure to Rotenone will not cause long-term negative health effects.
However, for short-term exposure or when Rotenone is present at higher concentrations, additional protective measures must be applied. This includes the use of masks, effective ventilation systems, and protective clothing. In addition, periodic monitoring procedures are needed to check the level of Rotenone in the air, ensuring that the chemical concentration always remains within the safe threshold according to established standards.
For individuals with a history of respiratory or neurological diseases, the safe level may be lower than for the general population, and they need to be particularly cautious when working in an environment where Rotenone is used. Training and providing information to workers about potential risks and preventive measures are essential to ensure safety and limit the risk of overexposure.
In case of exposure exceeding the permissible safe level, immediate medical intervention is necessary to minimize harm and monitor the worker’s health regularly. This ensures that health problems related to Rotenone are detected and treated in a timely manner.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Rotenone. Organizations such as 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 impact of Rotenone on worker’s health
To minimize the impact of Rotenone on workers’ health, preventive and safety management measures need to be implemented in a comprehensive and effective manner. First, providing personal protective equipment is very important. Workers should be supplied with dust masks, gloves, and protective clothing to limit direct contact with the chemical. This equipment not only protects the body but also reduces the risk of inhaling dust particles containing Rotenone in the air.
Next, there need to be measures for managing the work environment. A good ventilation system is a crucial factor in reducing the concentration of Rotenone in the air. Factories should install exhaust fans and ventilation systems to ensure the air is constantly refreshed and harmful gases are removed promptly. In addition, periodic checks of the Rotenone concentration in the air should be conducted to detect early and intervene promptly if the concentration exceeds the permissible level.
Training and raising awareness for workers also play a very important role in protecting health. Workers need to be instructed on the risks associated with Rotenone, how to use protective equipment correctly, and response measures in case of an incident. Organizing regular training sessions will help them understand safety regulations and how to recognize signs of chemical exposure.
Finally, in case a worker has suspected symptoms due to Rotenone exposure, there should be a process for regular health check-ups and medical consultations to monitor their health status. This not only helps in the timely detection of health problems but also allows workers to receive treatment and support quickly, minimizing long-term negative health impacts. By combining these measures, we can create a safer working environment for all workers exposed to Rotenone.
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 occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjust to reduce the level of hazard 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 working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, processing, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. 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, equipment, 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.
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- With a team of experienced and professional 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. 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 provides our valued customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the pricing of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our valued customers can be completely confident in 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, our valued customers can easily select service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our valued customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
