Working environment factors
How do Terpene hydrocarbons affect workers’ health?
Dec
Terpene hydrocarbon (C10H16) is a common chemical compound in manufacturing industries, but how does it affect the health of workers upon long-term exposure? This article will help you better understand the risks and health protection measures when working in an environment where this chemical is used.
1. What is Terpene hydrocarbon?
The chemical formula C10H16 represents a group of organic compounds derived from plants, especially in the essential oils of many plant species. These compounds are often called terpenes, and their structure consists of ten carbon atoms and sixteen hydrogen atoms. they are often categorized into different types such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes depending on the number of isoprene units they contain.
In nature, these compounds play an important role in protecting plants from pests or attracting insects to help with seed dispersal. However, when extracted and used in industries, terpene hydrocarbons can have many applications, including as components in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and especially in the food industry.
The formula C10H16 shows the combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms in a specific structure, creating volatile compounds with a characteristic aroma. This explains why terpene hydrocarbons are present in natural essential oils and are the main components in products such as air fresheners, perfumes, or insect sprays.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Terpen hydrocacbon | Terpene hydrocarbon | 29021900 | 68956-56-9 | C10H16 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Terpene hydrocarbon originate from in the production process?
During the production process, terpene hydrocarbons are mainly generated from natural raw materials such as herbs, plants, and some citrus and pine species, through processes like distillation or essential oil extraction. When producing products related to essential oils such as soaps, cosmetics, or food additives, these compounds are separated from plant materials for use in industrial applications.
Besides natural sources, terpene hydrocarbons can also be created through chemical synthesis processes in manufacturing plants. Chemical reactions can be performed to create different types of terpenes to serve specific industrial purposes. For example, during the production of rosin or products from pine trees, terpene hydrocarbon compounds can be separated from pine resin, a natural material rich in terpenes.
In addition, industrial production processes such as the processing of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals can also generate these compounds as by-products or main products. When these substances are used in industrial applications, they are often separated and purified to achieve specific quality standards, ensuring efficiency and safety for consumers.
3. Industries that use Terpene hydrocarbon in production
In production, compounds with the chemical formula C10H16 are widely used in many different industries due to their characteristic properties and diverse applications. One of the largest industries using terpene hydrocarbons is the cosmetic industry. In this field, these compounds are often found in products such as shampoos, body washes, soaps, and perfumes. Terpene hydrocarbons not only provide a natural fragrance to the product but also have antibacterial properties, helping to improve product quality.
The food and beverage industry is also a large market that uses these compounds. Terpene hydrocarbons are present in spices, flavorings, and processed foods, especially in foods with citrus or herbal scents. Thanks to their ability to create a pleasant aroma and their natural properties, these compounds are used to enhance flavor without the need for synthetic chemicals.
Additionally, in the pharmaceutical industry, terpene hydrocarbons also play an important role. They are used in the production of herbal medicines, especially products with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, or digestive support properties. These compounds can affect the body gently and effectively, thanks to their natural properties and biological effects.
Finally, terpene hydrocarbons are also used in the plastics and paint industries. These compounds are often present in paints, plastics, and cleaning agents, playing a role in improving the durability, water resistance, and abrasion resistance of the product.
4. How does Terpene hydrocarbon affect workers?
Long-term exposure to these compounds in the work environment can have significant health effects on workers. Due to their volatile nature and wide dispersion capability, these compounds can enter the body through the respiratory tract when workers inhale vapors or gases from products containing terpene hydrocarbons. If overexposed, these substances can cause respiratory problems such as rhinitis, coughing, shortness of breath, and can even lead to more serious diseases if not controlled.
In addition to affecting the respiratory system, direct skin contact with terpene hydrocarbons can also cause irritation. Some people may develop allergic reactions, leading to dermatitis, itching, or red rashes. This is particularly dangerous for workers in production or processing environments for products containing terpene hydrocarbons without appropriate protective measures.
Besides, these compounds can also affect the nervous system. Studies show that long-term exposure to volatile compounds from terpene hydrocarbons can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased concentration. In particular, if workers are in environments with high concentrations of terpene hydrocarbons without good ventilation or personal protective equipment, the risk of negative health effects will increase.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Terpene hydrocarbon for human exposure
The safe concentration of terpene hydrocarbon compounds for human exposure depends on many factors, including the type of terpene, duration of exposure, and working conditions. Health and occupational safety organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established maximum permissible concentration limits for these compounds in the air. These limits are based on studies of the health effects of long-term exposure to terpene hydrocarbons.
Typically, the safe concentration of these compounds ranges from a few milligrams to several tens of milligrams per cubic meter of air, depending on the specific compound and its hazard level. For example, for some types of terpenes like limonene, a compound found in orange peels, the safe level is often determined to be around 30 mg/m³, with an exposure time limit of no more than 8 hours per day. However, this level may vary depending on the specific conditions of the work environment and the sensitivity of each worker.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Terpene hydrocarbons. 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 health effects of Terpene hydrocarbon on workers
To minimize the impact of these compounds on workers’ health, preventive measures must be strictly applied in the work environment. One of the most important measures is to improve the ventilation system in production areas, which helps reduce the concentration of these compounds in the air. Providing an effective ventilation system will prevent volatile compounds like terpene hydrocarbons from accumulating in the workspace, thereby reducing the risk of inhaling harmful chemical vapors.
Besides, using personal protective equipment is an essential solution. Workers should be equipped with devices such as gas-filtering masks, gloves, and full-body protection when working in environments with high concentrations of terpene hydrocarbons. This equipment will help prevent direct contact with the skin and respiratory system of workers, minimizing allergic reactions or health damage.
In addition, training and raising awareness about the dangers of terpene hydrocarbons to workers’ health should also be emphasized. Workers need to be fully equipped with knowledge about the potential health risks and how to protect themselves during work. Organizing regular occupational safety training sessions will help workers better understand the importance of complying with safety regulations, thereby proactively preventing risks.
Finally, regular health check-ups for workers are an indispensable measure. Monitoring the health status of workers will help in the early detection of abnormal symptoms due to exposure to terpene hydrocarbons, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing long-term health effects.
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, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of risk to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the supervision and measurement of occupational environment quality 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 issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting 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 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 expertise and a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quotation table for high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table 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 advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
