Hexane

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the substance, hexane, otherwise known as n-hexane or Hexyl hydride. According to the paper, Hexane is manufactured by the refining process of crude oil and the correct composition of the fraction depends more or less on the source of the oil that is crude or refined and the limitations of refining. The paper goes on to discuss the toxicity of Hexane to the environment and the effect it has on a human when consumed or absorbed into the bloodstream.

From the Paper:

"Now let us understand about the toxicity of Hexane to the environment. The severe toxicity of hexane in human beings remains comparatively low, even though it is a soft anesthetic. (Industrial products: Energizing Business) Hexane can get inside the human body through the lungs in case it is present inside the air one breathes. It has also the possibilities of entering the human body through the stomach as also the intestines in case it is present in the water we drink or food we eat or can pass through the skin in case one comes into contact with it. The quantity that the hexane goes into the human body is dependent on the degree one is exposed and also its amount. While we inhale hexane, it gets into our bloodstream and is transmitted to every other organ of the body. Hexane is broken down by the liver. In case of one gets exposure to high concentrations of hexane ranging over an extended period of time, one of these breakdown products might entail damage to the nervous system of humans. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Calabrese, Edward J; Kenyon, Elaina M. Air Toxics and Risk Assessment. CRC Press. 1991.
• Costa, Lucio G; Manzo, Luigi. Occupational Neurotoxicology. CRC Press. 1998.
• Definition: Hexane. Retrieved from http://dict.die.net/hexane/ Accessed 8 November, 2006
• Hexane: Answers. Retrieved from http://www.answers.com/topic/hexane Accessed 8 November, 2006
• Hexane: eco-usa.net. Retrieved from http://eco-usa.net/toxics/hexane.shtml Accessed 10 November, 2006

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