What is hexane?
Hexane is a type of chemical compound.
Hexane is a byproduct from producing gasoline. (3)
Hexane is toxic.
Hexane is volatile, flammable and explosive. (2)
What does hexane do?
Hexane causes corn to release its oil (1)
The EPA categorizes hexane as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). (2)
Hexane has been shown to negatively impact the nervous system in humans and animals. (1)
Inhalation of hexane can damage the nervous system, leading to numbness in the hands and feet, followed by weakness in the feet and lower legs. (2)
Paralysis may develop with continued exposure to hexane. (2)
Hexane is harmrful or fatal if swallowed. (2)
Ingestion of hexane may produce abdominal pain, nausea and symptoms that a parallel those of inhalation, including lightheadedness, nausea, headache and blurred vision.
What contains hexane?
Hexane levels i solvent-processed vegetable oil residue used for animal feed can run as high as 0.5 percent. (2)
According to the FDA, some hexane remains in the oil as “residue”. (3)
What oils are used to extract the oil from its original source?
olive oil
coconut oil
What may contain hexane residue?
soybean oil (3)
canola oil (3)
peanut oil (3)
What does NOT contain hexane?
butter (2)
egg yolks (2)
meat fat (2)
Resources
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/corn-oil#uses-and-production
2. https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/know-your-fats/some-additives-in-vegetable-oils/#gsc.tab=0
3. https://askdrernst.com/healthblog/say-no-to-hexanes-they-could-be-in-your-cooking-oils/
