Working environment factors
How does Vinyl Acetate affect workers’ health?
Feb
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), a key chemical in the manufacturing industry, can seriously affect the health of workers with long-term exposure. This article will explore the health impacts of VAM and the necessary protective measures in the workplace.
1. What is Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester)?
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), also known as acetic acid ethenyl ester, has the chemical formula C₄H₆O₂. It is an important organic compound in the chemical industry, widely used to produce polymers and copolymers.
VAM is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, sweet odor. It is soluble in most organic solvents, including chlorinated solvents, but is sparingly soluble in water. VAM has a melting point of about -93°C and a boiling point of about 72.7°C.
VAM is produced mainly through the reaction of ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen in the presence of a palladium catalyst. This process takes place at temperatures from 175–200°C and pressures from 5–9 bar.
Vinyl acetate monomer plays a crucial role in the production of polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a polymer used as a glue and adhesive. Additionally, VAM is used in the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) for the textile and packaging industries, as well as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers for flexible plastic products and footwear.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Vinyl axetat | Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) | 29153200 | 108-05-4 | C4H6O2 |
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2. Where does Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) originate from in the production process?
During the production process, vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) primarily originates from the reaction between ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen. This process is catalyzed by palladium and is typically carried out under temperature conditions of 175 to 200°C and pressures of 5 to 9 bar.
The basic chemical reaction of this process is the combination of ethylene and acetic acid to form vinyl acetate and water. Although the main method currently used is the catalytic reaction, in the past, other methods such as reactions with oxygen-containing organic compounds were tested, but they were not as effective as the modern catalytic method.
Additionally, during VAM production, small amounts of other by-products may be generated, such as excess acetic acid, oxidation by-products, and sometimes some volatile organic compounds. These compounds need to be strictly controlled to ensure product quality and minimize negative environmental impacts.
3. Industries that use Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) in production
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is widely used in many industries, especially in the production of polymers and copolymers. One of the main industries that uses VAM is the plastics industry, particularly in the production of polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a polymer with good flexibility and adhesive properties, used as a glue in the paper, wood, and consumer products industries.
The textile industry is also a major field that uses VAM. It is used to produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), an important polymer in textile applications, packaging, and laundry products. PVOH is water-resistant and is used in the production of films, plastic bags, and protective products.
Furthermore, the footwear manufacturing industry also uses VAM to produce ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, a flexible, resilient plastic material with abrasion resistance and the ability to withstand mechanical impacts. VAM is also used in the production of other plastic products such as bags, protective films, and household accessories.
Besides, VAM is also used in the chemical industries to produce composite plastics, paints, and surface coatings. These products have waterproofing, anti-corrosion properties and protect material surfaces from the effects of the external environment.
4. How does Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) affect workers?
When exposed to Vinyl acetate monomer, workers in a production environment can experience serious health effects. This substance can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. If VAM gas is inhaled for a long period, workers may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and bronchitis. People working in environments with high concentrations of VAM are also at risk of developing lung and respiratory diseases.
In addition, direct contact with VAM can cause skin problems such as contact dermatitis, rashes, itching, or burning. Some severe cases can lead to skin ulceration or other serious injuries if not properly protected.
VAM can also affect the central nervous system if workers are exposed to high concentrations for a long time. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure can lead to neurological problems, affecting work ability and overall health.
The long-term effects of VAM on human health have not been fully studied, but some research indicates that, without proper protective measures, workers may face serious health problems, thereby reducing their quality of life and work performance.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) for human exposure
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is a flammable liquid that can be harmful to human health if exposed to high concentrations. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for VAM of 10 parts per million (ppm) in the air over an 8-hour workday. This means that the concentration of VAM in the air should not exceed 10 ppm to ensure worker safety.
Additionally, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for VAM of 15 ppm for a 15-minute period. This means that for a short period, the VAM concentration can go up to 15 ppm without causing immediate danger to health.
However, these regulations and recommendations may vary by country and organization.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Vinyl acetate 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 Vinyl acetate monomer (Acetic acid ethenyl ester) on workers
To minimize the health effects of Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) on workers, applying safety measures is crucial. First and foremost, improving ventilation in the work area is essential. An effective ventilation system helps reduce the concentration of VAM in the air, thereby minimizing the risk of exposure for workers. Installing exhaust fans, ventilation systems, and cooling will help remove VAM vapor from the air, preventing the accumulation of this substance to dangerous levels.
Besides, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an indispensable measure. Workers need to be equipped with masks, gloves, and specialized protective clothing to protect their bodies from direct contact with VAM. The company should also organize training courses to raise workers’ awareness of the importance of using protective equipment and how to use it correctly.
In addition, regular monitoring and testing of VAM concentrations in the air are necessary. This monitoring helps to promptly detect issues related to VAM levels, allowing for timely interventions to protect workers’ health.
Finally, organizing occupational safety training sessions for workers is very necessary. These training sessions should provide information about VAM, how to recognize symptoms of exposure, and the preventive measures to be taken. Raising workers’ awareness of health risks will help them be more proactive in protecting themselves when working in an environment containing VAM.
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.
