Working environment factors
How does Selenium (powder form) affect workers’ health?
Sep
Learn how Selenium (powder) affects the health of workers. Read now to protect the health of you and your colleagues!
1. What is Selenium?
Selenium, with the chemical symbol Se, is a nonmetallic element in group 16 of the periodic table. This element has an atomic number of 34 and has properties similar to other elements in the same group, such as sulfur and tellurium. Selenium occurs naturally as a mineral and is often found in some foods as well as water.
Selenium has many different forms, including both inorganic and organic forms. The inorganic form is often more toxic, while the organic form, found in foods such as seafood, meat, and nuts, is generally safer for human health. Selenium is a trace element necessary for the body, but if exposed to too much, it can have negative effects on health.
In industry, Selenium is widely used in the production of solar cells, electronics, and semiconductors. However, the use of Selenium in production processes also raises health concerns for workers, especially with long-term exposure to this chemical. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of Selenium can lead to problems with the respiratory system, digestive system, and even damage to the nervous system. Therefore, a clear understanding of Selenium and how to protect your health when working with this chemical is very important.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Selen | Selenium | 28049000 | 7782-49-2 | Se |
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2. Where does Selenium originate from in the production process?
The element Selenium originates mainly from industrial production processes, especially in industries such as electronics, chemicals, and mineral mining. In the electronics manufacturing industry, Selenium is often used in electronic components, such as various types of sensors and solar cells. The production and processing of these components can create dust or gas containing Selenium, thereby increasing the risk of exposure for workers.
In addition, Selenium is also found in some industrial chemicals, such as pesticides and detergents. The use of these chemicals in the production process can lead to the dispersal of Selenium into the air, soil, and water. When these substances are used improperly or without complying with safety regulations, they can become a serious source of pollution.
Mineral mining and processing plants are also a source of Selenium. During the mining process, minerals containing Selenium can be dispersed into the environment, increasing the possibility of exposure for people working in this area. Besides, the use of water in production processes can lead to the spread of Selenium into water sources, affecting the health of the surrounding community.
3. Industries that use Selenium in production
Selenium is used in many different industries, especially in high-tech industrial fields. One of the most prominent industries is the electronics industry. In the production of electronic components, Selenium is often used in various types of sensors, electrical circuits, and solar cells. The use of Selenium helps to improve the performance of these devices, but at the same time, it also creates a risk of exposure for workers during the production process.
The chemical industry is also a field that uses Selenium in production. Selenium is used in the production of pesticides and food additives. The presence of Selenium in these products helps to enhance the effectiveness of crop protection and improve food quality. However, the use of Selenium in these chemicals must also comply with safety regulations to minimize risks for workers.
In addition, the mineral mining industry also uses Selenium, especially in mines containing minerals such as copper, nickel, and zinc. During the mining process, Selenium can be released from the soil and water, creating a danger for people working in this environment. Besides, the processing and refining of minerals can also generate Selenium, increasing the risk of exposure for workers.
Other industries such as steel production and wastewater treatment may also use Selenium, although the level of use may not be as common as in the electronics or chemical industries. However, any industry related to the handling and production of Selenium-containing products needs to pay attention to safety measures to protect the health of workers. In summary, the awareness and management of risks from Selenium in production industries are extremely important to ensure the health and safety of workers.
4. How does Selenium affect workers?
The element Selenium, although a trace element necessary for human health, can cause serious negative effects on the health of workers when exposed to high levels. People who work in production environments that use Selenium often face risks related to exposure to this chemical, especially without appropriate safety measures.
One of the most noticeable effects of Selenium is on the respiratory system. When Selenium is dispersed into the air as dust or gas, it can be inhaled and cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the respiratory tract. Studies show that long-term exposure to Selenium can lead to chronic lung disease, reducing the respiratory capacity of workers.
In addition, Selenium can also affect the digestive system. When exposed through ingestion, Selenium can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are common in people who work in environments with a high risk of food or water contamination by Selenium.
Furthermore, Selenium also has the potential to affect the nervous system. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of Selenium can lead to psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety, as well as neurological symptoms such as insomnia and headaches. These problems not only affect physical health but also have a negative impact on the quality of life of workers.
Finally, one of the most serious problems related to Selenium exposure is the risk of cancer. Although more research is needed to determine the exact level of risk, studies have shown that Selenium may be linked to some types of cancer, especially with high-level exposure over a long period.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Selenium for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Selenium for human exposure is a very important issue, especially in industries that use this chemical. Health and occupational safety organizations have established specific standards to protect the health of workers from the adverse effects of Selenium. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations, the safe concentration of Selenium in the air should generally not exceed 0.2 mg/m³ in the work environment.
For the concentration of Selenium in food, the recommended daily intake for adults is about 55 to 70 micrograms. Consuming Selenium within this limit usually does not cause negative health effects. However, if the amount of Selenium consumed exceeds the safe threshold, it can lead to Selenium poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even serious damage to the nervous system.
In the work environment, monitoring the concentration of Selenium is extremely necessary to ensure that workers are not exposed to concentrations higher than the permissible level. Factories need to implement control measures such as ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and organize training for employees on the risks associated with Selenium. In addition, companies should also regularly evaluate and update their work procedures to ensure worker safety.
It should be noted that, although safe Selenium concentrations can be determined, each person’s sensitivity is different. Some people may react to lower concentrations, so personalizing protective measures is very important.
At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, compliance with safety standards and limiting exposure to Selenium is important. 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 effects of Selenium on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of Selenium on the health of workers, it is necessary to implement a series of comprehensive protective measures to ensure safety in the work environment. First, assessing and monitoring the concentration of Selenium in the air and the work environment is very important. Factories and production facilities must conduct periodic inspections to determine the concentration of Selenium and other pollutants. If the concentration is found to exceed the permissible level, timely intervention measures must be taken to minimize the risk.
Another important measure is to improve ventilation in work areas where Selenium is used. An effective ventilation system can help reduce the concentration of Selenium in the air, thereby minimizing the possibility of exposure for workers. In addition, installing air filtration devices can also help to clean dust and toxic gases, creating a safer work environment.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is another necessary measure to protect the health of workers. Workers should be fully equipped with protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing when working in high-risk areas. Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks of Selenium is also very important. Workers need to clearly understand the effects of Selenium on health, as well as the safety measures to be taken when working with this chemical.
In addition, implementing safe work procedures also contributes to minimizing risks. Companies need to establish and adhere to safe procedures for storing, handling, and disposing of Selenium-containing substances. This not only helps to minimize risks but also creates a sustainable and safe work environment for all employees.
Along with that, regular health monitoring for workers is also an important measure. Companies should organize health check-ups to detect early problems related to Selenium exposure, so that timely intervention measures can be taken. By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the effects of Selenium on the health of workers, protecting them from the potential risks in the work environment.
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 compliance with 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
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for 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 measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has been and is becoming 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 things possible.
- With a team of experienced and professional Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quotation for quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Your 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 advise and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, your customers can easily choose the service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
