Cyclohexane

Cyclohexane is a High volume compound that is found in many industries and used in a variety of different ways. The chemicals numerous uses are listed below:
• Aerosol paint concentrates
• Automobile body polish and cleaners
• General performance sealants (PVAC, butyl, vinyl, etc.)
• Laundry starch preparations
• Lubricating greases
• Lubricating oils
• Miscellaneous paint-related products
• Other automotive chemicals
• Other industrial chemical specialty products
• Other specialty cleaning and sanitation products
• Paint and varnish removers
• Paint thinners
• Pharmaceutical preparations
• Solvent thinned interior clear finishes
• Solvent thinned interior stains
• Synthetic resin and rubber adhesives
• Toilet soap excl medicated soaps (liquid)
As you can see from the list above the chemical is utilized in ways that it is being released, or potentially being released into the environment. It can be released directly into the air in aerosol paints or directly onto the ground in insecticides or even into your home from the varnish on your furniture.
Cyclohexane is suspected to be a neurotoxin; however it is not recognized as a neurotoxin. According to the E.P.A cyclohexane is not likely to cause environmental harm at levels normally found in the environment. The E.P.A says that the effects from cyclohexane largely depend on levels you are exposed to and the duration of exposure. Breathing large amounts of cyclohexane can range from headaches to convulsions, as well as, adversely affect the central nervous system. If liquid cyclohexane comes into contact with your eyes it is an irritant that is difficult to wash out. The long term effects are unknown in these areas: the effects of inhaling the chemical in small quantities for a long period of time; is it a cancer causing agent; and can it cause reproductive problems.
Currently cyclohexane is regulated by four federal agencies: OSHA, Hazardous Substances, Registered Pesticides (federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodentcide act), Toxic Release Inventory Chemicals and California’s Air Contaminants Act.
Texas has by far the largest release of cyclohexane into the environment with 1.4 million pounds reported and Louisiana comes in second place with a half a million pounds. Arizona, thankfully, is fourth from last with eight hundred and seventy two pounds.
Seven out of the eight tests for ecological and health effects have been completed. The test that has not been completed is the carcinogenity test. After looking at the HPV tracker tool it does not appear as though there is going to be any more testing on this chemical. This is unfortunate because a carcinogen test is crucial in understanding the hazards of a chemical.