Working environment factors
How does Trimethylamine affect workers’ health?
Feb
Trimethylamine (C3H9N) is a chemical with a characteristic fishy odor, used in many industries. But few people know that long-term exposure to trimethylamine in the workplace can seriously affect workers’ health. So what are its effects? How can you protect yourself? Let’s find out!
1. What is Trimethylamine?
Trimethylamine (C₃H₉N) is a tertiary amine organic compound, in which a nitrogen atom is bonded to three methyl groups (–CH₃). Under normal conditions, trimethylamine exists as a colorless gas with a characteristic fishy odor similar to that of decaying fish. This compound is readily soluble in water and has weak alkaline properties. Trimethylamine is widely used in industry, especially in the production of compounds such as choline, surfactants, and some types of pesticides. Additionally, it is also found naturally in some foods and is a decomposition product of nitrogen-containing compounds in the body.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Trimetylamin | Trimethylamine | 29211100 | 75-50-3 | C3H9N |
See more chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Trimethylamine originate from in the production process?
During the production process, trimethylamine can arise from the decomposition of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), a common non-protein nitrogen compound in saltwater fish species. When fish spoils, bacteria reduce TMAO to trimethylamine, causing the characteristic fishy odor. In addition, in industry, trimethylamine is produced and used in the synthesis of compounds such as choline, surfactants, and some types of pesticides. Therefore, in seafood processing plants or production facilities that use trimethylamine, this compound can be generated from both biological decomposition and industrial processes.
3. Industries that use Trimethylamine in production
Trimethylamine is used in various industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, it plays an important role in the synthesis of organic compounds and the production of medicines. The agricultural industry also uses trimethylamine to produce fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop yields and protect harvests. Furthermore, in the chemical industry, trimethylamine is used to produce chemical intermediates such as dimethylamine and triethylamine; these compounds have applications in the production of surfactants, detergents, and other products.
4. How does Trimethylamine affect workers?
Exposure to trimethylamine can cause many negative health effects for workers. When inhaled, this compound can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the nose and throat. Skin contact can cause irritation, resulting in redness, itching, and dermatitis. If trimethylamine comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause irritation, redness, and tearing. Ingesting trimethylamine can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additionally, long-term exposure to high concentrations of trimethylamine can cause more serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Trimethylamine for human exposure
According to international occupational safety standards, the concentration of trimethylamine in the workplace air is recommended not to exceed 10 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour daily, 40-hour weekly exposure period. Maintaining the trimethylamine concentration below this threshold helps minimize the risk of respiratory, eye, and skin irritation for workers. To ensure safety, control measures such as an effective ventilation system, regular monitoring of the work environment, and providing appropriate personal protective equipment for employees are necessary.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Trimethylamine 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 Trimethylamine on workers
To minimize the health effects of trimethylamine on workers, the following measures should be implemented:
First, ensuring an effective ventilation system in the work environment is crucial. This helps reduce the concentration of trimethylamine in the air, preventing the risk of inhaling harmful gas. Using local exhaust ventilation systems at the source of gas generation is also an effective measure.
In addition, providing workers with adequate personal protective equipment is necessary. Equipment such as chemical-resistant masks, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing helps prevent direct contact with trimethylamine, protecting the skin and respiratory system from harmful effects.
Training and raising awareness about occupational safety also play an important role. Workers need to be instructed on the risks associated with trimethylamine, how to use protective equipment, and the procedures for handling incidents. This helps them react promptly and effectively in emergency situations.
Finally, regular monitoring and testing of the trimethylamine concentration in the workplace air is essential. This ensures that the work environment is always safe and allows for timely detection and correction when gas concentrations exceed permissible limits.
Applying these measures comprehensively will help protect workers’ health and maintain a safe working environment when exposed to trimethylamine.
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:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- 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.
- 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 service quality.
