Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, cyclohexane that makes its way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals living in environments contaminated with cyclohexane can store small amounts of the chemical. Effects of cyclohexane on human health and the environment depend on how much cyclohexane is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the environment when exposure occurs. Breathing large amounts of cyclohexane for short periods of time adversely affects the human nervous system.
Effects range from headaches to anesthesia, tremors, and convulsions.
Contact with cyclohexane liquid or vapor can damage the eyes. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of cyclohexane that are normally found in the environment. Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming smaller amounts of cyclohexane over long periods of time are not known. Information about cyclohexane's potential to cause cancer, developmental effects, or reproductive effects either does not exist or is not adequate. Studies show that repeat exposure to large amounts of cyclohexane in air causes nervous system effects, eye damage, and respiratory effects in animals.