Working environment factors
How does yttrium affect the health of workers?
Apr
Yttrium (Y) – a rare metal used in many modern industries – does it pose health risks to workers? This article explores the impact of Yttrium in factory environments and necessary protective measures.
1. What is Yttrium?
Yttrium (chemical symbol Y) is a chemical element belonging to the transition metals group in the periodic table, with atomic number 39. First discovered in 1794 by Swedish chemist Johan Gadolin, yttrium is a silver-colored, hard metal that oxidizes easily when exposed to air. Although not as common as some other metals, yttrium plays an important role in modern industries due to its unique properties.
Yttrium does not exist in a free elemental form naturally but is usually found in minerals such as xenotime and monazite. With stable chemical properties, yttrium does not strongly react with water or air, but when in compound form, it can participate in many complex chemical reactions.
In industry, yttrium is mainly used in compounds like yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), which is crucial in the electronics industry, manufacturing of light bulbs, and optical devices. Additionally, yttrium has applications in producing alloys used in aerospace industries as well as in medicine, especially in cancer therapies. However, as a rare metal, yttrium is generally not widespread and is used in high-tech applications.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Ytri | Yttrium | 28053000 | 7440-65-5 | Y |
See more services: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. What are the sources of Yttrium emissions during production?
During production, yttrium primarily originates from rare minerals such as xenotime, monazite, and bastnäsite. When these minerals are mined and processed to extract yttrium, yttrium compounds may be released into the air as dust or gas. This usually occurs during processes like crushing, grinding, roasting, and chemical extraction.
Additionally, in some industries using yttrium, such as LED lamp manufacturing, liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, and optical devices, yttrium may be emitted as dust or vapor during product fabrication and processing.
3. Industries that use Yttrium in production
In industrial production, yttrium is widely applied in various fields due to its special physical and chemical properties. One of the largest users of yttrium is the electronics industry, especially in manufacturing electronic components like capacitors, resistors, and optical devices. Moreover, yttrium is used in producing fluorescent lamps and LEDs, where it plays an important role in generating light and improving lighting efficiency.
The aerospace industry also utilizes yttrium in manufacturing special alloys that enhance durability and corrosion resistance of aircraft and missile components. In medicine, yttrium is applied in cancer treatment therapies, particularly in radiotherapy, due to the beta radiation emitted by yttrium-90 isotopes.
Furthermore, yttrium is used in the ceramics and glass industries to improve product strength and abrasion resistance. Yttrium is also present in other industries such as permanent magnet production, petrochemical catalysts, and advanced optical devices.
4. How does Yttrium affect workers?
Exposure to yttrium and its compounds in the workplace can cause various health issues. Yttrium compounds may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of yttrium dust or vapor can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and cyanosis. Prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia, liver damage, and reproductive system effects. To minimize risks, compliance with occupational safety regulations and use of personal protective equipment is essential.
5. Safe allowable concentration of Yttrium for human exposure
Currently, there is no specific information on safe exposure limits for Yttrium in Vietnamese legal documents. Therefore, determining safe exposure levels to Yttrium requires reference to international standards and good industrial practices. 
At a basic level, when working in industrial environments, compliance with safety standards and limiting exposure to Yttrium is important. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from harmful chemical effects.
6. Measures to reduce the impact of Yttrium on workers’ health
To reduce the impact of yttrium on workers’ health, it is necessary to implement preventive and risk control measures in the workplace.
First, providing adequate personal protective equipment is crucial. Workers should use masks or respirators to prevent inhaling yttrium dust or vapor. Additionally, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing must be used to protect eyes, skin, and body from direct contact with yttrium.
Next, improving workplace environmental conditions is essential. Effective ventilation systems should be ensured to reduce yttrium concentrations in the air. Industrial hygiene practices such as regular cleaning of dust and waste also help limit yttrium dispersion in the work area.
Training and occupational safety education for workers is indispensable. Workers need to be equipped with knowledge about yttrium-related hazards, preventive measures, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Finally, periodic health check-ups for workers help detect early abnormal signs and enable timely interventions. Compliance with occupational safety and industrial hygiene regulations also plays a vital role in protecting workers’ health.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training should be provided regularly to ensure understanding and compliance with safety rules.
Periodic workplace environmental monitoring in factories should be conducted to collect and analyze harmful factors affecting workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.
7. National workplace environmental monitoring center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in supervising and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
Besides providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and following up on workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits to delivering the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center is becoming one of the reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our service products.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefits.
- By joining Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring Team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost incentives.
8. Workplace environmental monitoring pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides customers with a price list for workplace environmental monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.
- Our price list provides detailed information about the costs of monitoring services we offer, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting fees. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
- We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market and are always ready to consult and promptly respond to any questions regarding monitoring services in a professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, customers can easily select service packages suitable for their needs. We guarantee to bring the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
