Análise simplificada do risco químico e do impacto ambiental potencial de uma actividade industrial

Abstract

The questions connected with health and safety inthe work environment, due to the use of dangerouschemical compounds, became more and morerelevant in the last years for social, economic andenvironmental reasons. Consequently, the analysisof the effects in human health and the environmentof existing and future processes is of fundamentalimportance. In this article a simple methodologyis presented to assess the chemical riskand the potential environmental impact associatedwith an industrial activity. This methodology useseasily available information about the process andthe chemical compounds used. To illustrate anddemonstrate the applicability of this methodology,the process of extractive distillation of the mixtureacetone-chloroform is considered as a case study,in which alternative solvents are valued (benzeneand metil-n-pentil-éter). The data and informationabout this process were obtained with processsimulators. Results of this study show the importanceof this methodology, supporting decisionsconcerning the safety and health of collaboratorsand allowing the definition of priorities to minimizethe chemical risk and the potential environmentalimpact associated with any industrial activity.