Practive 000.653.2011

Date 01May 2009

Attachment 02 -- Page 1 of 1

CONTROL OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM

One Page Summary of the Hazards of Chromium VI

Workers in many different occupations are exposed to hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI). Occupational exposures occur mainly among workers who handle pigments containing dry chromate, spray paints and coatings containing chromate, operate chrome plating baths, and weld or cut metals containing chromium, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel welding involves the greatest exposure to Chromium VI.

Calcium chromate, chromium trioxide, lead chromate, strontium chromate, and zinc chromate are known human carcinogens. An increase in incidence of lung cancer has been observed among workers in industries that produce chromate and manufacture pigments containing chromate. An increased rate of lung cancer has also been reported among producers and consumers of pigment containing chromate. One study of chromium-nickel alloy foundry workers showed a statistically significant increase in lung cancers.

Cancer

  • Chromium VI is considered a potential lung carcinogen. Studies of workers in the chromate production, plating, and pigment industries consistently show increased rates of lung cancer.

Eyes

  • Direct eye contact with chromic acid or chromate dusts can cause permanent eye damage.

Respiratory Tract

  • Chromium VI can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Repeated or prolonged exposure can damage the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and result in ulcers. In severe cases, exposure causes perforation of the septum (the wall separating the nasal passages).

Skin

  • Prolonged skin contact can result in dermatitis and skin ulcers. Some workers develop an allergic sensitization to chromium. In sensitized workers, contact with even small amounts can cause a serious skin rash. Kidney damage has been linked to high dermal exposures.

Note:The aforementioned toxicology comes from the Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 6th Edition, Volume 1, and from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration web site.

Health, Safety & Environmental