Working environment factors
How does xylene affect workers’ health?
May
There are many factors that can affect workers’ health in the workplace, and one of them is exposure to hazardous chemicals. Among these, a particularly concerning substance is xylene.
Widely used in industry and manufacturing, xylene not only provides benefits for production processes but also poses serious health risks to workers when exposed. From the respiratory system to the skin, eyes, and even the nervous system, xylene’s effects can span multiple areas, raising significant concerns about workplace health and safety. Let’s explore the impact of xylene on workers’ health and the protective measures that should be applied to minimize these risks.
1. What is Xylene?
Xylene is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic hydrocarbon group, formed from benzene molecules. It exists in three isomeric forms: ortho-xylene (o-xylene), meta-xylene (m-xylene), and para-xylene (p-xylene). These isomers differ only in the position of the methyl groups (-CH3) on the benzene ring.
Xylene has a strong odor, is colorless, and is a liquid under normal conditions. It can be produced from petroleum refining and industrial processes, and is widely used in industries such as plastics, paints, inks, solvents, and cleaners.
Xylene is highly soluble in water and can evaporate quickly in the air. At the same time, it is a hazardous chemical and can harm human health if exposed for long periods or at high concentrations.
2. Sources of Xylene in Production
Xylene can originate from various sources during production and usage. Some common sources include:
- Petroleum refining: Xylene is a natural component of petroleum and can be separated through distillation and refining processes.
- Industrial processes: Produced in petrochemical and chemical processing plants. The production of xylene usually involves extraction, distillation, and purification from petroleum derivatives or other chemical processes.
- Chemical manufacturing: Includes processes producing xylene from other raw materials such as toluene or ethylbenzene.
- Product usage: Paints, inks, solvents, cleaners, etc. During use and handling, xylene can be released into the environment.
It should be noted that xylene sources may vary depending on the industry and specific process. Controlling and managing xylene during production and use is essential to minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health.
3. Industries Where Xylene Poses a Risk to Workers
Xylene is widely used in industry. Prolonged exposure can be hazardous to workers’ health. Some industries that may involve xylene exposure include:
- Paint production: Xylene solvents are used for coating, lacquer, marine paints, and protective coatings.
- Pesticide production: Used as a carrier in manufacturing processes.
- Adhesive manufacturing: Used in rubber adhesive production.
- Solvent blending: For slow-drying applications, xylene is used to dilute paints and inks, replacing toluene due to its good solubility and slower evaporation rate.
- Surface cleaning: Used to clean metals and semiconductor materials.
- Plastic production: p-Xylene is a key precursor for terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, used in PET bottles and polyester fabrics. 98% of p-xylene and half of xylene mixtures are used for this purpose. o-Xylene is an important precursor of phthalic anhydride.
Workers in these industries should follow occupational safety regulations, use personal protective equipment, and limit direct exposure to reduce health risks.
4. How Xylene Affects Workers’ Comfort
Xylene can impact workers’ comfort as follows:
- Airborne exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
- Nervous system effects: Symptoms may include insomnia, fatigue, reduced concentration, and mental distraction.
- Digestive effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Skin effects: Irritation, itching, redness, oozing, and dermatitis.
To ensure comfort and protect health, it is important to follow safety measures, such as using personal protective equipment, maintaining proper ventilation, and minimizing direct xylene exposure.
5. Permissible Xylene Exposure Levels at Work
According to QCVN 03:2019/BYT National Technical Regulations on permissible exposure limits for 50 chemical substances in the workplace:
Table 1. Maximum allowable exposure limits for chemicals in the workplace.
Unit: mg/m3
| No. | Chemical Name | English Name | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | CAS Number | TWA | STEL | IARC Toxicity Group |
| 50 | Xylene | Xylene | C6H4(CH3)2 | 106 | 1330-20-7 | 100 | 300 | 3 |
6. Diseases Caused by Long-term Xylene Exposure
Long-term xylene exposure can cause:
- Respiratory system: Irritation of nose, throat, and lungs, leading to respiratory infections, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Nervous system: Xylene can cross the blood-brain barrier. Long-term exposure may cause dizziness, drowsiness, memory loss, imbalance, and negative effects on neurological functions.
- Digestive system: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and liver toxicity.
- Kidneys: Reduced urine output and impaired kidney function.
- Cardiovascular system: Hypertension and irregular heartbeat.
High exposure in industrial settings can cause serious occupational diseases, including liver and kidney damage, hematological effects, and potential cancer risks. Health impacts depend on exposure level, duration, individual sensitivity, and overall health. Strict safety and exposure control measures are essential.
7. Measures to Reduce Xylene’s Impact on Workers’ Health
To minimize xylene’s effects:
- Ensure proper ventilation in the workplace to reduce xylene concentration. Use effective ventilation systems and perform regular inspections and maintenance.
- Provide and require proper use of personal protective equipment (clothing, masks, goggles, gloves). Train employees in correct usage and maintenance.
- Offer training on safe work procedures when handling xylene. Ensure employees understand risks and preventive measures.
- Conduct regular health checks for employees exposed to xylene to detect and address health issues early.
- Worker training: Educate employees on protective measures to safeguard their health in hazardous environments.
- Regularly perform occupational environmental monitoring to measure harmful factors and adjust to reduce risks of occupational diseases.
- Monitor compliance to ensure safety measures are followed, control xylene levels, and implement improvements when necessary.
8. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With experienced environmental monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to monitoring, the center assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center focuses on client satisfaction and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and skilled personnel, Nam Viet has become a reputable organization in occupational environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with objectives:
- Maintain brand reputation and service quality.
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- Employ experienced MSc and engineering staff with expertise to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet specialists, companies receive professional service and the best cost benefits.
9. Occupational Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective monitoring, Nam Viet provides a detailed pricing list for occupational environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable cost.
- Our price list provides detailed service fees including transportation, measurement, analysis, and report preparation. Clients can rely on the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
- We commit to competitive and reasonable pricing and provide fast, professional consultation for all inquiries.
- Clients can easily select appropriate service packages and are assured of high-quality, professional service.
