Working environment factors
How does Vinylidene Fluoride affect workers’ health?
Feb
Vinylidene fluoride (C2H2F2) is a common chemical in manufacturing plants, but its impact on the health of workers remains a major concern. This article will help you better understand the potential health risks when working with this chemical and effective protective measures.
1. What is Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-)?
Vinylidene fluoride, also known as Ethene, 1,1-difluoro- with the chemical formula C₂H₂F₂, is an organic compound belonging to the halogenated olefin group. It is known by other names such as 1,1-difluoroethylene, vinylidene difluoride, and 1,1-difluoroethene.
Vinylidene fluoride is a colorless, flammable gas with a mild odor. It has a boiling point of about -84°C and a melting point of about -144°C. This compound is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and ether.
Vinylidene fluoride is mainly used in the production of fluorinated polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and FKM, which are widely used in the chemical, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Vinyliden florua | Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) | 29033990 | 75-38-7 | C2H2F2 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) originate from in the production process?
During the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) is synthesized through the polymerization of VDF monomers. This process is usually carried out in a solvent or emulsion medium, using free-radical initiators to activate the polymerization reaction. After polymerization, PVDF is precipitated, washed to remove impurities, and may undergo additional processing steps such as drying and grinding to obtain powder, resin pellets, or film form depending on the application.
3. Industries that use Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) in production
Vinylidene fluoride is used mainly in the chemical industries, especially in the production of fluorinated polymers. One of the most common applications is the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a type of plastic with high resistance to corrosion and temperature, used in many fields. The electronics industry is one of the largest consumers of PVDF, where it is used in the production of electrical cables, insulating parts, and other electronic devices.
In addition, vinylidene fluoride is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where polymers created from this compound are used in medical products such as filters, pharmaceutical packaging, and other medical devices. The automotive industry also utilizes PVDF to produce heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant parts, such as in fuel lines, oil lines, or electrical systems.
Besides that, vinylidene fluoride is also present in the energy industry, especially in the production of batteries and energy storage devices, where the chemical properties of PVDF help to enhance the durability and performance of these products.
4. How does Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) affect workers?
When workers are exposed to vinylidene fluoride in a production environment, they can face many health risks. This compound can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Inhaling the vapor of vinylidene fluoride can lead to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat. In some severe cases, long-term exposure to this compound can cause problems with the lungs and respiratory system.
In addition, vinylidene fluoride can have a negative impact on the central nervous system if exposed to high concentrations for a long time. Common signs include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These effects become more serious if there are no safety measures in place during work.
A noteworthy factor is that vinylidene fluoride can also cause poisoning if absorbed through the skin or upon contact with a large amount through wounds. Continuous and improper contact with this chemical can increase the risk of long-term health problems, such as liver or kidney damage.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of vinylidene fluoride for human exposure has been regulated by health and occupational safety organizations in labor and health protection standards. According to studies and recommendations from organizations such as OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), the concentration of vinylidene fluoride in the air should not exceed a certain level to ensure the safety of workers.
Specifically, the exposure limit for vinylidene fluoride in the air is regulated at 10 parts per million (ppm) for an 8-hour workday and 40 hours per week. This level helps to minimize the health risks to the respiratory system, nervous system, and other organs of workers. However, factories and production facilities must regularly check the concentration level of vinylidene fluoride in the air to ensure proper compliance with these regulations.
In addition, the short-term exposure limit (STEL) is recommended at 15 ppm for a period of 15 minutes. Exceeding this limit can lead to serious health problems, including severe irritation and long-term damage to organs such as the lungs and liver. Safety measures, such as an effective ventilation system and personal protective equipment, play an important role in maintaining a safe level for workers when working with vinylidene fluoride.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Vinylidene fluoride. 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 Vinylidene fluoride (Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-) on worker health
To minimize the effects of vinylidene fluoride on worker health, it is very important to apply safety measures during the production process. One of the most basic and effective measures is to ensure the factory’s ventilation system operates well, helping to reduce the concentration of vinylidene fluoride in the air and prevent the accumulation of toxic gases.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to reduce direct contact with the chemical. Chemical-resistant protective suits are also an important measure to protect the skin and areas in direct contact with vinylidene fluoride. In particular, the use of protective equipment must be periodically checked and maintained to ensure maximum effectiveness.
To protect the health of workers, factories also need to establish periodic health check and monitoring procedures. This includes checking the concentration of vinylidene fluoride in the air, as well as monitoring the health indicators of workers to detect early signs of abnormality. Training programs on occupational safety, to raise workers’ awareness of the risks and how to prevent them, are also an indispensable part of minimizing risk.
In addition, controlling production processes and maintaining equipment also plays an important role in minimizing the release of vinylidene fluoride into the work environment. Equipment must be maintained and operated according to regulations to ensure there are no leaks or releases of chemicals outside the production area.
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 workplace environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental 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 WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting 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 workplace environmental 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 customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- 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 cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You can be completely confident in 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 consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
