INTRODUCTION Since polyneuropathy was first observed in Japan in 1964 among workers who had been subject to long-term n-hexane exposure@ many studies have been published about the effects of n-hexane and products containing n-hexane on man and animals. This overview is aimed at determining whether the literature contains adequate information to permit the establishment of a definitive dose/effect relationship based on knowledge of the properties@ application@ occurrence@ metabolism@ and effects of n-hexane in man and animals. An extensive study of the literature was made; all available studies published from 1964 through late 1980 were included. Important pre-1964 studies and - as far as possible - 1981 publications were considered