| Document ID (ISN) | 54443 |
| CIS number |
90-1608 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0002-8894 - American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal |
| Year |
1989 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Dreyfors J.M., Jones S.B., Sayed Y. |
| Title |
Hexamethylenetetramine: A review |
| Bibliographic information |
Nov. 1989, Vol.50, No.11, p.579-585. 51 ref. |
| Abstract |
This review covers the available literature on hexamethylenetetramine (hexamine) with emphasis on its toxicology and epidemiology, its thermal decomposition and regulatory concerns related to its uses. Hexamine has many diverse industrial applications, particularly in the foundry, tyre and rubber, and phenoformaldehyde resins industries. Excessive exposure to solid hexamine or its vapour has been reported to cause dermatitis and respiratory allergies. Pure hexamine has been used as a food preservative and as an internal antiseptic in humans and animals. A WHO study in 1972 listed a temporary acceptance level of 5mg/kg body weight as an acceptable daily intake for man. Most animal studies have shown hexamine to be of very low genetic risk. Many thermal decomposition studies were initiated because of concern over the potential emission of toxic substances when hexamine was subjected to very high temperatures. Studies show that hexamine decomposition can be characterised by an increase in HCN and a decrease in NH3 emissions with increasing temperature, with release of HCN beginning at about 300°C. It is known that hexamine can decompose to form formaldehyde under acidic conditions. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
hexamethylenetetramine; rubber industry; foundries; chemical hazards; toxicology |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
literature survey; pyrolysis; dermatitis; allergic respiratory disorders; permissible levels; animal experiments; pyrolysis products |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Toxic and dangerous substances
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Rubber industry
Heterocyclic compounds
Foundries, metalcasting and forging operations
|
