Hexane

RTECS #

MN9275000

CAS #

110-54-3
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Updated

December 2018

Molecular Weight

86.20

Molecular Formula

C₆H₁₄

Synonyms

Esani (Italian)
Gettysolve-B
Heksan (Polish)
Hexanen (Dutch)
Hexyl hydride
NCI-C60571
n-Hexane
n-Hexane (ACGIH:OSHA)

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
eye /rabbit	10 mg	mild	TXAPA9 55,501,1980

Mutation Data and Reference

System Test	Route/Organism/Tissue	Dose	Reference
Cytogenetic Analysis	fibroblast/hamster	500 mg/L	FCTOD7 22,623,1984
Cytogenetic Analysis	subcutaneous/rat	7.5 mL/kg/12W- intermittent	TCMUD8 20,329,2000
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunction	/Saccharomyes cerevisiae	132 mmol/L	MUREAV 341,83,1994

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	5000 ppm (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** #PNL6590
inhalation/mouse	200 ppm (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)	NTIS** #PNL6590
inhalation/rat	1000 ppm (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** #PNL6453
inhalation/rat	5000 ppm (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Urogenital system	NTIS** #PNL6453
inhalation/rat	1000 ppm (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Other effects on female Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	5000 ppm (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Other effects on female Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus) Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/mouse	200 ppm (6-17D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants) Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	12500 ppm (1-20D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Live birth index (Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured after birth)	TOLED5 239,141,2015
inhalation/rat	100 ppm (1-20D pregnant)	Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Endocrine system Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Urogenital system Reproductive: Other developmental abnormalities	TOLED5 239,141,2015
inhalation/rat	10000 ppm/7H (15D prior to copulation/1-18D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral	TOXID9 1,152,1981
inhalation/rat	1000 ppm/6H (8-16D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Growth statistics (e.g., reduced weight gain)	TJADAB 19,22A,1979
inhalation/rat	5000 ppm/20H (6-19D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	NTIS** DE88-006812
oral/mouse	238 gm/kg (6-15D pregnant)	Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)	DCTODJ 3,393,1980

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 9018 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria Liver: Tumors	NTIS** OTS0537874
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/4H/59W- intermittent	Tumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria Reproductive: Tumorigenic effects: Testicular tumors	JOCHFV 41,261,1999

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
In Vitro/Human, leukemia cells	Inhibitor Concentration (5 percent kill): 14300 mg/L/30M	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell counting	TIVIEQ 27,857,2013
In Vitro/Human, lung	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 5 µL/well/1H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell membrane integrity: Cytoplasmic enzymes leakage (lactate dehydrogenase, ATP enzymes etc.) Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation	TIVIEQ 27,1089,2013
In Vitro/Human, lung	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 2.5 µL/well/1H	Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation	TIVIEQ 27,1089,2013
In Vitro/Human, lymphocyte	Inhibitor Concentration (30 percent kill): >200 mg/L/45H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (dye exclusion): trypan blue assay etc.	TIVIEQ 29,901,2015
In Vitro/Human, lymphocyte	Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): >200 mg/L/45H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays	TIVIEQ 29,901,2015
In Vitro/Human, skin	Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): 3.9 mg/L/21H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.	TIVIEQ 27,314,2013
In Vitro/opf	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 50 µL/well/1H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell membrane integrity: Cytoplasmic enzymes leakage (lactate dehydrogenase, ATP enzymes etc.) Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation	TIVIEQ 27,1089,2013
In Vitro/Rat, lung	Inhibitor Concentration Low: 30 µL/well/1H	In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell membrane integrity: Cytoplasmic enzymes leakage (lactate dehydrogenase, ATP enzymes etc.)	TIVIEQ 27,1089,2013
inhalation/human	lowest published toxic concentration: 5400 mg/m³/10M	Behavioral: Headache Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting	VCVGH* -,31,1990
inhalation/human	lowest published toxic concentration: 190 ppm/8W	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Structural change in nerve or sheath	AJIMD8 10,111,1986
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified)	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 126 gm/m³	Behavioral: Excitement Eye: Conjunctiva irritation	VCVPS* -,71,1998
inhalation/mouse	Lowest published lethal concentration: 120 gm/m³	Behavioral: General anesthetic Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Cardiac: Other changes	AEPPAE 143,223,1929
inhalation/mouse	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 150000 mg/m³/2H		VCVGH* -,31,1990
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/24H	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Flaccid paralysis without anesthesia (usually neuromuscular blockage) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/24H	Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct	EXMPA6 46,199,1987
inhalation/rat	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 627000 mg/m³/3M		VCVGH* -,30,1990
inhalation/rat	lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 48000 ppm/4H		ARPTDI 22,145,1982
intraperitoneal/rat	lowest published lethal dose: 9100 mg/kg		TXAPA9 1,156,1959
intravenous/mouse	lowest published lethal dose: 831 mg/kg	Behavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)	APTOA6 37,56,1975
intravenous/rabbit	lowest published lethal dose: 132 mg/kg		HAEMAX 58,491,1973
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 20000 mg/kg	Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Prostate, seminal vesicle, Cowper's gland, accessory glands	REPTED 6,491,1992
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 15840 mg/kg		HPV250 -,-,2008
oral/rat	lethal dose (50 percent kill): 29700 mg/kg	Behavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity) Gastrointestinal: Changes in structure or function of salivary glands Gastrointestinal: Hypermotility, diarrhea	HPV250 -,-,2008

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/Organism	Dose	Effect	Reference
inhalation/guinea pig	lowest published toxic concentration: 150000 mg/m³/1H/30D- intermittent	Brain and Coverings: Changes in surface EEG	VCVGH* -,32,1990
inhalation/human	lowest published toxic concentration: 190 mg/m³/6Y- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Paresthesia	VCVGH* -,32,1990
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/13W- intermittent	Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 10000 ppm/13W- intermittent	Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay) Liver: Changes in liver weight Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in kidney weight	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/mouse	lowest published toxic concentration: 10000 ppm/6H/13W- intermittent	Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay) Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)	NTPTR* NIH-91-3121
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 2000 ppm/12H/24W- intermittent	Spinal Cord: Other degenerative changes Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteins	HETOEA 11,323,1992
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/24H/11W- continuous	Brain and Coverings: Recordings from specific areas of CNS Behavioral: Muscle weakness Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTOTDY 5,69,1983
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1 pph/6H/13W- intermittent	Brain and Coverings: Changes in brain weight Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	FAATDF 4,191,1984
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 476 ppm/6H/4W- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Phosphatases Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Dehydrogenases	TOLED5 12,13,1982
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 3000 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	TOXID9 14,317,1994
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 500 ppm/24H/9W- continuous	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	JNSCAG 57,209,1982
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1200 ppm/12H/16W- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteins	ARTODN 63,381,1989
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1700 mg/m³/6H/4W- intermittent	Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Phosphatases Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Lipids including transport	VCVGH* -,31,1990
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/14D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	NTIS** #PNL6453
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 6500 ppm/13W- intermittent	Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in kidney weight	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 10000 ppm/13W- intermittent	Liver: Changes in liver weight Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in kidney weight Related to Chronic Data: Changes in testicular weight	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 1200 ppm/16W- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Structural change in nerve or sheath Behavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay) Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	HPV250 -,-,2008
inhalation/rat	lowest published toxic concentration: 5000 ppm/6W- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Flaccid paralysis without anesthesia (usually neuromuscular blockage) Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	HPV250 -,-,2008
intraperitoneal/chicken	lowest published toxic dose: 18 gm/kg/90D- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Structural change in nerve or sheath Behavioral: Ataxia Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field	TXAPA9 62,369,1982
intraperitoneal/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 18900 mg/kg/35D- intermittent	Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from afferent nerve Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	JTEHD6 13,835,1984
intraperitoneal/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 4788 mg/kg/7D- intermittent	Liver: Other changes Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol) Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects	TOLED5 14,169,1982
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 100000 mg/kg/5D- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	REPTED 6,491,1992
oral/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 40 gm/kg/4W- intermittent	Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain	TIHEEC 1(3),67,1985
subcutaneous/rat	lowest published toxic dose: 7.5 mL/kg/12W- intermittent	Liver: Hepatitis (hepatocellular necrosis), zonal Blood: Microcytosis with or without anemia Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects	TCMUD8 20,329,2000

Reviews

Organization	Standard	Reference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 50 ppm (skin)	DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TOLED5 135,167,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		CHHSA* 9,6,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		ENTOX* -,522,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		REPTED 25,192,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 659,93,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		HUTOX* -,577,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NCLNA* 16,503,1998
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NEUCL* 23,377,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,239,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,617,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,629,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,689,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,727,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,737,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		NTAPM* -,747,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 762,76,2014
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		REPTED 58,252,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		TXAPA9 266,345,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		MUREAV 770,170,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 56,67,2010
TOXICOLOGY REVIEW		RTOPDW 59,364,2011

Standards and Regulations

Organization	Standard	Reference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-air	time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)	DTLVS* 3,126,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIA	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIA	MAK-TMW 20 ppm (72 mg/m³);KZW 80 ppm (288 mg/m³), 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARK	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-EC	time-weighted average 72 mg/m³ (20 ppm), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLAND	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCE	VME 50 ppm (170 mg/m³), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANY	MAK 50 ppm (180 mg/m³), 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARY	time-weighted average 180 mg/m³, short term exposure limit 720 mg/m³, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELAND	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPAN	Occupational Exposure Limit 40 ppm (140 mg/m³), skin, MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREA	time-weighted average 50 ppm (180 mg/m³), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICO	time-weighted average 50 ppm (176 mg/m³), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALAND	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAY	time-weighted average 25 ppm (90 mg/m³), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERU	time-weighted average 50 ppm (176 mg/m³), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLAND	MAC(time-weighted average) 100 mg/m³, MAC(short term exposure limit) 400 mg/me, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIA	time-weighted average 300 mg/m³, short term exposure limit 900 mg/m³, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDEN	time-weighted average 25 ppm (90 mg/m³);short term exposure limit 50 ppm (180 mg/m³), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLAND	MAK-week 50 ppm (180 mg/m³), KZG-week 400 ppm (1440 mg/m³), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDS	MAC-TGG 90 mg/m³, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINES	time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEY	time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOM	time-weighted average 20 ppm (72 mg/m³), OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)	8H time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)	8H time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)	8H time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)	8H time-weighted average 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)	CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

Organization	Standard	Reference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO HEXANE-air	10H time-weighted average 50 ppm	NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983	Hazard Code 36955; Number of Industries 221; Total Number of Facilities 40256; Number of Occupations 161; Total Number of Employees Exposed 643101; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 138726
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974	Hazard Code 36955; Number of Industries 281; Total Number of Facilities 72257; Number of Occupations 168; Total Number of Employees Exposed 763261

Status in Federal Agencies

Organization	Reference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/99/166688)
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA Section 8(e) Risk Notification, 8EHQ-1292-8628;8EHQ-0893-8628
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Hydrocarbons, BP 36-126 degree C, 1500
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1996: Volatile organic compound, 2549
NTP Toxicity studies, RPT# TOX-02, October 2000
On EPA IRIS database

Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health