Overview

Cyclohexane is a colourless, flammable liquid which quickly evaporates when exposed to air producing a colourless vapour. It occurs naturally in petroleum crude oil, volcanic gases and is present in cigarette smoke.

Uses of cyclohexane

Cyclohexane is predominantly used in the manufacture of nylon. It is also used in lubricants, greases and hydraulic fluids for machinery and automobiles, fuels, anti-freeze products, coating products, non-metal surface treatment products, adhesives and sealants, and inks and toners. Domestic uses include presence within machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners, cooling liquids in refrigerators, and oil-based electric heaters.

How cyclohexane gets into the environment

Cyclohexane can enter the environment from natural sources such as volcanic emissions, petroleum-based fuels (vapours) and tobacco smoke. It can also be released into the environment from sites where petroleum products are refined, stored, and used. Cyclohexane is also present in exhaust gases from motor vehicles. Small amounts may leak from closed systems such as cooling systems in refrigerators, and oil-based electric heaters.

Exposure to cyclohexane

Exposure to very low levels of cyclohexane may occur following inhalation of air, or consumption of food/water contaminated with cyclohexane. Cigarette smoke is a potential source of exposure to cyclohexane. Exposure can also occur when people use domestic products that contain cyclohexane; however these sources are unlikely to cause adverse health effects if used correctly.

Exposure to cyclohexane may also occur in an occupational setting. However, safe limits are enforced to protect the employees; such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to cyclohexane can affect your health

The presence of cyclohexane in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing or drinking the substance, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Breathing in large amounts of cyclohexane vapours can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and euphoria. Ingestion of cyclohexane may cause stomach upset. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of cyclohexane that are normally found in the environment.

Spillages of cyclohexane onto the skin may cause irritation. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying and cracking of the skin. There may also be transient pain with redness of the skin, blistering and burns. Eye contact can cause pain to the eyes, twitching, watering, light sensitivity, and potentially swelling of the eyelids.

Cyclohexane and cancer

Cyclohexane has not been assessed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for its ability to cause cancer in humans. Cyclohexane is not thought to be a cancer causing chemical.  

Pregnancy and the unborn child

Low level exposure from the correct use of products that contain cyclohexane would not be expected to cause harm to the unborn child.

There is limited data available on the effects of cyclohexane exposure on pregnancy and the unborn child. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to cyclohexane causes the mother to become unwell.

Children

Children exposed to cyclohexane are expected to show the same symptoms as adults. Cyclohexane containing products in the home should be stored in an appropriate container and kept out the reach of children.

What to do if you are exposed to cyclohexane

Low level exposure from the correct use of products that contain cyclohexane would not be expected to cause any adverse health effects. For all other exposures to cyclohexane:

You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.

If you have ingested cyclohexane seek medical advice. Do not make yourself sick.

If you have inhaled cyclohexane you should seek medical advice.

If you have got cyclohexane on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not above the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.

If you have got cyclohexane in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.

Additional sources of information

UKTIS Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.