JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
Get the latest COVID-19 technical guidance, scientific and policy briefs here.✕
    • العربية
    • 中文
    • English
    • français
    • русский
    • español
    • Deutsch
    • português
English
  • العربية
  • 中文
  • English
  • français
  • русский
  • español
  • Deutsch
  • português
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Help

Browse

All of IRISCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

Statistics

Most PopularBy Country

Related Links

PAHO IRIS

n-Hexane

Thumbnail
View/Open
9241571225-eng.pdf (‎539.1Kb)‎
View Statistics
Show Statistical Information
Altmetrics
Share
  • CSV
  • Excel
  • BibTeX
  • RIS
Abstract
Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by n-hexane, a chemical isolated from natural gas and crude oil and used in food processing to extract vegetable oil from beans, nuts, and seeds. n-Hexane is also used as a solvent, a cleaning agent, in the rubber industry, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. The opening sections review what is known about the behaviour of this highly volatile chemical in the environment and its metabolic fate in experimental animals and in the human body. A review of investigations in experimental animals and in vitro test systems concentrates on testicular lesions and neurotoxicity as the principal effects of repeated exposure to n-hexane. Studies have also shown that neurotoxicity induced by n-hexane is enhanced by co-exposure to methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and lead acetate; co-exposure to toluene decreases the neurotoxic effects of n-hexane. These findings are further supported by observations in humans, which draw upon several reports of peripheral neuropathy in workers exposed to n-hexane and in abusers of glues or solvents containing this chemical. The report notes that the majority of occupational cases have occurred in poorly ventilated small industries. While concluding that n-hexane is not likely to present a hazard to either the general population or the environment, the report stresses the need for precautions in the occupational setting, including the use of suitably designed work processes and engineering controls for reducing atmospheric levels below the recommended occupational exposure limits. The book further recommends the use of protective clothing and the ready availability of respiratory protection for use in enclosed spaces and in emergencies
Citation
International Programme on Chemical Safety & World Health Organization. (‎1991)‎. n-Hexane. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/41283
Relation
Environmental health criteria ; 122
Description
Summary and chapters 10, 11 and 12 in French and Spanish
164 p.
published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization
ISBN
9241571225
Language
English
Collections
  • Publications
Metadata
Show full item record

Show Statistical Information

View Item 
  • IRIS Home
  • 1. Headquarters
  • Publications
  • View Item
  • IRIS Home
  • 1. Headquarters
  • Publications
  • View Item

© 2021 WHO