Hexane is a volatile hydrocarbon used in a variety of industries. It can cause acute and chronic toxicity.
Hexane is used:
(1) in laboratories
(2) in the arts (silk screen printing)
(3) to extract oils from seeds and vegetables
(4) in production or use of adhesives such as rubber cement
(5) in gasoline
Exposures usually are due to inhalation or skin contact. It can occur in people who abuse glue or solvents.
Acute intoxication:
(1) lighthededness
(2) giddiness
(3) headache
(4) nausea
(5) eye irritation
(6) respiratory tract irritation
(7) altered consciousness including coma and death
Chronic intoxication:
(1) polyneuropathy
(2) dermatitis
References:
Misirli H, Domac FM, et al. N-hexane induced polyneuropathy: a clinical and electrophysiological follow up. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 2008; 48: 103-108.
Pradhan S, Tandon R. N-hexane neuropathy with vertigo and cold allodynia in a silk screen printer: A case study. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2015; 28: 915-919.
Puri V, Chaudhry N, Tatke M. N-hexane neuropathy in screen printers. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 2007; 47: 145-152.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational health guideline for hexane. 1978
