Cyclohexylamine

Cyclohexylamine is a cyclic amine used in industrial processes such as rubber production, corrosion inhibition, and pharmaceuticals, and it also serves as a metabolite of the artificial sweetener cyclamate. 

Exposure to cyclohexylamine—whether through occupational contact, environmental contamination, or dietary sources—has been linked to systemic toxicity, reproductive harm, cardiovascular effects, and potential neurotoxicity, making its monitoring relevant for at-risk populations.

What is Cyclohexylamine?

Cyclohexylamine (CASRN 108-91-8) is a cyclic amine derived from cyclohexane, commonly used in rubber production, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is also a metabolite of cyclamate, an artificial sweetener. This colorless to yellowish liquid has a strong ammonia-like odor and is water-soluble.

Exposure occurs through inhalation, skin contact, mucous membrane contact, or ingestion.

It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily by the kidneys, making renal function key to its clearance. Testing may be relevant for industrial workers, individuals with suspected toxic exposure, and those with impaired renal function.

Toxicological Effects of Cyclohexylamine

Cyclohexylamine exposure affects multiple organ systems, with documented systemic, cardiovascular, reproductive, metabolic, neurological, and pulmonary effects. 

Acute Exposure

Acute inhalation or ingestion can cause various symptoms, including lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, anxiety, vomiting, skin and eye damage, and slurred speech.

Human studies link cyclohexylamine to dose-dependent increases in blood pressure, with plasma levels of 0.7-0.8 µg/mL correlating to significant hypertensive effects and higher doses causing a slight decrease in heart rate.

Chronic Exposure

Chronic exposure in animal studies has demonstrated testicular atrophy, reduced fertility, and decreased body weight gain, likely due to reduced food intake. Female rats at high doses showed elevated thyroid weights and minor hematologic changes, while pulmonary changes, such as foamy macrophages in alveoli, were observed at 6000 ppm exposure. 

In humans, toxicological studies link chronic exposure to testicular toxicity and reproductive harm in men and women, fetal damage, skin damage and allergies, and liver and kidney damage. 

The EPA-established oral Reference Dose (RfD) is 0.2 mg/kg/day, indicating a threshold for potential harm. Though its carcinogenicity remains in question, cyclohexylamine is known to create mutations. Long-term dietary studies have identified significant systemic effects due to cyclohexylamine exposure.

Sources of Cyclohexylamine Exposure

Dietary: found as a metabolite of cyclamate, a synthetic sweetener used in some beverages and processed foods.

Occupational: occupational exposure to cyclohexylamine poses risks through inhalation or dermal contact in industrial settings, with documented cases of systemic effects such as dizziness, nausea, and neurological symptoms following accidental exposure.

Environmental: cyclohexylamine, used in industrial processes such as boiler water treatment and rubber manufacturing, has the potential to enter water systems through industrial wastewater. Its water solubility and use as a corrosion inhibitor suggest a plausible risk of environmental contamination and health risks to human, animal, and aquatic life, though specific studies on its persistence in drinking water remain limited.

Who Should Get Cyclohexylamine Tested?

Testing for cyclohexylamine levels may be clinically relevant for:

• Workers in industrial settings: those exposed to chemicals in manufacturing, especially in rubber, textile, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Individuals undergoing toxic exposure screening: particularly those with known exposure to cyclamate-containing products or industrial pollutants.
• At-risk populations for reproductive, cardiovascular, or neurological concerns: elevated levels have been linked to toxic effects on several nervous systems; individuals with persistent symptoms despite treatments may consider toxicological testing.

Guidelines for testing are not yet standardized, but assessment may be warranted for individuals with chronic exposure or unexplained symptoms suggestive of toxicity.

Test Procedure

Cyclohexylamine is not a commonly tested biomarker. In research settings, it has been tested in urine and plasma. 

What Do High Levels of Cyclohexylamine Mean?

Elevated cyclohexylamine levels may be indicative of:

Occupational or environmental exposure: Direct contact with industrial sources or contaminated water.

Impaired renal clearance: kidney dysfunction may result in reduced excretion, leading to increased systemic levels.

What Do Low Levels of Cyclohexylamine Mean?

Low or undetectable levels are considered normal or expected; cyclohexylamine is a toxic compound that has no biological purpose in human or animal physiology.