Comprehensive environmental exposures in Vietnamese packaging manufacturing and implications for sustainable development

Abstract

In Vietnam’s packaging sector, workplace environmental exposures to combined physical and chemical hazards remain insufficiently documented, particularly across heterogeneous production stages. This study systematically evaluated exposure profiles by quantifying both physical parameters and airborne chemical contaminants. Environmental monitoring was conducted across 16 production stages in paper, metal, woven plastic, and flexible plastic manufacturing using standardized sampling protocols. Physical parameters, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat, noise levels, illumination, and airborne dust, were assessed using internationally standardized protocols (NIOSH/OSHA). Chemical hazards, specifically volatile organic compounds (methyl ethyl ketone, xylene, and acetone), were analyzed via gas chromatography. Exposure levels were benchmarked against Vietnamese national standards (QCVN) and NIOSH occupational exposure limits, with exceeding percentages computed to determine risk magnitude. The findings revealed substantial non-compliance across several sub-industries. More than 85% of work zones in flexible plastic and metal processing units recorded temperatures above 32 °C. Noise levels exceeded the 85 dBA threshold in all metal forming sections and in 93% of woven plastic operations. Illumination was notably inadequate in metal forming and plastic warehousing areas. Among chemical contaminants, xylene concentrations surpassed regulatory limits in 55.6% of flexible plastic printing and film-blowing processes, although most solvents remained within legal limits. These results highlight the urgent need for engineering interventions, including improved ventilation, noise abatement, systematic monitoring, and optimized solvent management, to safeguard worker health while promoting sustainable industrial practices.