Guidance

n-Hexane: general information

Updated 10 March 2025

Overview

n-Hexane is a highly flammable, colourless liquid. Other common names for n-hexane are hexane and hexyl hydride. n-Hexane is naturally present in crude oil and natural gas and is a constituent of heating and motor fuels refined from petroleum.

Uses of n-hexane

n-Hexane is mainly used in the food processing industry to extract vegetable oil from various seed crops such as soybeans, peanuts and flaxseed. It is also used as a laboratory solvent, in the production of pharmaceuticals, as a cleaning agent and in rubber production. n‑Hexane is also used in other products such as adhesives and lacquers.

How n-hexane gets into the environment

n-Hexane may enter the environment from industries in which it is used. It may also be released into the environment from the use, storage and transport petroleum products. 

Exposure to n-hexane

Exposure for the general public may occur via inhalation of very low levels of n-hexane in air.

Exposure to n-hexane is more likely to occur in an occupational setting. Safe levels are enforced to protect the health of workers.

How exposure to n-hexane can affect your health

The presence of n-hexane 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 to n-hexane by breathing or drinking the substance or by skin contact with it. 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 vapours of n-hexane can cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and euphoria. Ingestion may cause stomach upset.

Severe lung damage called pneumonitis can occur if liquid n-hexane is inhaled directly into the lungs, whilst manually siphoning a tank or from inhaling vomit after swallowing n-hexane.

Skin contact may cause irritation, redness, blistering and superficial burns. Prolonged skin contact can cause drying and cracking. Eye exposure can cause pain, tearing and sensitivity to light.

n-Hexane and cancer

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

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to n-hexane during pregnancy may cause harm to the unborn child at doses where the mother appears unaffected.

Children

Children exposed to n-hexane are expected to show the same symptoms as adults.

What to do if you are exposed to n-hexane

You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.

If you have ingested n-hexane seek medical advice. Do not make yourself sick.

If you have inhaled n-hexane you should seek medical advice.

If you have got n-hexane 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 n-hexane 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 Hazard 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.

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