Is 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch)?
The IUPAC name is cyclohex-3-en-1-ylbenzene.
Also known as: cyclohex-3-en-1-ylbenzene, 4-Phenyl-1-cyclohexene, 4-PHENYLCYCLOHEXENE, 3-Cyclohexen-1-ylbenzene.
- IUPAC name
- cyclohex-3-en-1-ylbenzene
- CAS number
- 4994-16-5
- Molecular formula
- C12H14
- Molecular weight
- 158.24 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1CC(CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1
- PubChem CID
- 21096
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are more vulnerable to 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH).
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHS | — | Warning classification |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch)
- Indoor Air — New carpet off-gassing, SBR latex-backed carpet, Indoor air quality
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH):
-
Process controls to minimize degradant formation
Trade-offs: Additional manufacturing costRelative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch)?
4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) appears in: New carpet off-gassing (Indoor air); SBR latex-backed carpet (Indoor air).
What should I do if my child is exposed to 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) in the baby app
Look up products containing 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-pch), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- PubChem Compound CID 21096 — database
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID9047176 — epa
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 4994-16-5 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →