n-Hexane / published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization.

Contributor(s):

Material type: Text

TextSeries: Environmental health criteria ; 122Publication details: Geneva : World Health Organization, 1991.Description: 164 pISBN:

9241571225

Subject(s):

NLM classification:

QV 633

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.

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Call number	Copy number	Status	Date due	Barcode
Books	WHO HQ READING-RM	HQ SERIAL (Browse shelf(Opens below))	1	Available		00033206
Books	WHO HQ BORROWABLE-COLL-STACKS	QV 633 91HE (Browse shelf(Opens below))	2	Available		00033205

Summary and chapters 10, 11 and 12 in French and Spanish.

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.

WHO Library Catalog

n-Hexane / published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization.