Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI)
Chromium is a steel gray, lustrous, hard metal extracted from chromite ores. Chromium VI (hexavalent chromium) is of principal concern because of its extreme toxicity and designation as a human carcinogen.
Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium can occur from the inhalation of dusts, mists, or fumes containing hexavalent chromium, or from eye or skin contact. The primary exposure is from recycling stainless steel scraps.
Some more industrial sources of hexavalent chromium include the following:
- Chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics
- Chromates added as anti-corrosive agents to paints, primers and other surface coatings
- Chrome plating by depositing chromium metal onto an item's surface using a solution of chromic acid
- Particles released during smelting of ferrochromium ore
- Fumes from welding stainless steel or non-ferrous chromium alloys
- Impurities present in Portland cement
It is important to note that the severity of exposure may depend on various factors, including the duration and concentration of exposure, individual susceptibility, and the form of chromium VI involved (e.g., dust, fumes, or solutions).
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8-9. What is the primary source of Chromium production in the US?
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