Working environment factors
How does Trifluoroethylene affect workers’ health?
Feb
Trifluorochloroethylene (C₂ClF₃) is a chemical commonly used in industry, but does it pose potential risks to the health of workers? This article will analyze the impact of this chemical on the body, potential risks, and protective measures, helping you better understand occupational safety in environments with exposure to Trifluorochloroethylene.
1. What is Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-)?
Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-), with the chemical formula C₂ClF₃, is an organic compound belonging to the fluorocarbon group. It is a colorless gas with a mild odor and is volatile at room temperature. Due to its characteristic chemical properties, C₂ClF₃ is widely used in many industries, especially in the production of polymers, non-stick coatings, refrigerants, and other technical applications.
This compound has a molecular structure consisting of two carbon (C) atoms, one chlorine (Cl) atom, and three fluorine (F) atoms, creating a form of ethylene with high chemical stability. The substitution of hydrogen atoms with fluorine and chlorine gives C₂ClF₃ good heat resistance, low reactivity with common oxidizing agents, and high fire resistance. These characteristics make it an important raw material in many production processes.
However, despite its high application value, Trifluorochloroethylene also poses many risks to human health if exposed for long periods or at high concentrations. Therefore, a clear understanding of its chemical properties and safety measures when working with this chemical is essential to protect the health of workers.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Triflocloetylen | Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) | 29037700 | 79-38-9 | C2ClF3 |
See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where does Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) originate from in the production process?
C₂ClF₃ is primarily created during chemical synthesis for the production of polymers and other organic fluorine compounds. This process often involves the reaction between chlorotrifluoromethane (CClF₃) with suitable catalysts to create the desired product. This is a crucial step in the chemical industry, especially in the production of fluoropolymers like polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), a type of plastic with high chemical and heat resistance.
Additionally, this compound can also be generated during the production of refrigerants, non-stick coatings, and insulating materials that use fluorocarbons. During the processing and manufacturing of these products, a small amount of C₂ClF₃ may evaporate into the air or remain as a residue in the work environment.
Another source comes from side reactions or by-products during the synthesis of organic compounds containing fluorine. When carrying out chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures, some molecules that do not participate in the main reaction may decompose or be converted into C₂ClF₃. Strict control of reaction conditions can help minimize the release of this gas into the environment.
Besides, the storage, transportation, and handling of chemicals in the factory can also lead to the release of this compound. If not stored properly, leaks or evaporation can occur, increasing the risk of exposure for workers and affecting the air quality in the work environment.
3. Industries that use Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) in production
The compound C₂ClF₃ is used in many industries due to its characteristic chemical properties. One of the most important fields is the polymer manufacturing industry, especially fluoropolymers. Engineering plastics like polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) are synthesized from C₂ClF₃ for their chemical resistance, heat resistance, and good electrical insulation, serving the electronics, aerospace, and medical industries.
The chemical industry also uses this compound in the production of refrigerants and industrial compressed gases. Thanks to its heat resistance and stable chemical properties, C₂ClF₃ is often present in the formulas of new-generation refrigerants used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and industrial cooling equipment.
In addition, the non-stick coating manufacturing industry also utilizes the special properties of C₂ClF₃ to create highly durable surface coatings. Products such as non-stick pans, heat-resistant components in machinery, and protective coatings in the aerospace industry may all contain polymers synthesized from this compound.
Furthermore, the field of manufacturing insulating and fire-resistant materials also involves C₂ClF₃. Thanks to their effective fire and heat resistance, these materials are widely used in the construction industry, electrical cable manufacturing, and electronic devices to enhance safety during use.
4. How does Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) affect workers?
C₂ClF₃ can affect the health of workers upon exposure in a production environment, especially when inhaling this gas for long periods or at high concentrations. The respiratory system is the organ directly affected, with symptoms such as irritation of the nose and throat, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, with severe exposure, workers may experience chemical pneumonitis or long-term lung damage.
Besides the respiratory system, the skin and eyes are also easily affected by exposure to C₂ClF₃. If in direct contact, this gas can cause skin irritation, red rashes, or contact dermatitis. When splashed into the eyes, this compound can cause irritation, redness, tearing, and in more severe cases, can damage the cornea.
The central nervous system can also be affected if a worker is exposed to a large amount of C₂ClF₃ in a confined or poorly ventilated space. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of concentration, and in some cases, prolonged exposure can lead to cognitive decline or affect neurological function.
In addition to acute effects, long-term exposure to C₂ClF₃ may have potential effects on the liver and kidneys. Some studies suggest that fluorocarbon compounds can accumulate in the body and affect liver function, altering liver enzyme levels or causing liver cell damage. The kidneys are also at risk of being affected by repeated exposure to this chemical over a long period.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) for human exposure
Currently, in Circular 10/2019/TT-BYT of the Vietnam Ministry of Health, which regulates the permissible exposure limits for 50 chemical factors at the workplace, C₂ClF₃ is not specifically mentioned. Therefore, to ensure worker safety, it is necessary to refer to international standards or apply general preventive measures for chemicals with similar properties. Monitoring the work environment and implementing personal protective measures are necessary to minimize the risk of exposure.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Trifluorochloroethylene is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Trifluorochloroethylene (Ethene, chlorotrifluoro-) on workers
To minimize the health effects of C₂ClF₃ on workers, strict occupational safety measures must be implemented. First and foremost, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory. Workers should wear gloves, masks, and safety goggles when working with this chemical to prevent direct contact through the skin and respiratory system.
In addition, it is necessary to ensure the work environment is well-ventilated. An effective ventilation system helps reduce the concentration of C₂ClF₃ vapor in the air, thereby reducing the risk of inhaling the toxic gas. Installing exhaust devices at the source of emission and maintaining a clean air flow in the work area is very important.
Training and raising awareness among workers about the hazardous nature of C₂ClF₃ is also essential. Workers should be instructed on how to handle the chemical safely, recognize symptoms of exposure, and take timely first-aid measures.
Finally, monitoring the work environment and workers’ health should be done periodically. Measuring the concentration of C₂ClF₃ in the air and conducting regular health check-ups help to detect exposure-related problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
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, thereby adjusting 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 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 is committed 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:
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- 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. You will also get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information about 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.
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- 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 service quality.
