![]() * There are exceptions, for details see reference to national law However, the data is subject to change and was last updated July 6, 2023 Limit Value(s) EU directive (unless specified otherwise below) Although chromium VI exposure mainly takes place via inhalation, skin contact should be consequently avoided as well. Personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort, after the possible technical solutions have been presented. In some cases, a respirator may be required. Ensure that workers have adequate personal protective equipment, such as suitable respiratory protection, protective clothing and gloves. In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure. Investigate whether workers report early symptoms. Continuously carry out correct exposure measurements, so that it is known when action should be taken. For example, use an extracted welding torch and proper local and workshop ventilation systems. If chromium VI-containing products cannot be substituted, the exposure to the substance should be reduced through engineering controls. physical vapor deposition, chromium III-plating etc.). For specific uses and if applicable, technical alternatives might be exhausted (e.g. The most effective way to prevent exposure is to substitute with chromium VI-free or lower-chromium VI products. The latency period between chromium VI related cancers is up to 20 years after chromium VI exposure. Prolonged exposure to airborne chromium VI can cause lung, nasal and sinus cancer. Chronic dermal exposure to chromium VI can lead to poorly healing ulcers found after skin injuries oral uptake can cause systemic effects on kidney and liver. ![]() Inhaling chromate compounds may then cause asthma symptoms. Some employees become allergic to chromium VI. Skin contact causes severe irritation and oral intake can cause acute poisoning (gastrointestinal symptoms). Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause sores in the nose and result in nosebleeds and damage to the nasal septum. How the symptoms can affect youīreathing in high levels of chromium VI can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itching and a burning sensation. Unlike chromium VI, another relevant but not carcinogenic form is chromium III, which can be transformed to chromium VI under oxidative circumstances. It also may be used as an anticorrosive agent added to paints, primers, and other surface coatings. Chromium VI compounds may be used as pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics. Chromium metal is added intentionally to alloy steel or is used in surface treatments to increase technical properties, like hardenability, heat and corrosion resistance. Chromium trioxide or chromic acid are common industrial used chromium VI substances. The most industrial relevant compounds contain sodium, potassium, zinc, strontium, lead or ammonium. In nature, it is often present with other elements, like metals, in ores and needs to be industrially processed. More about the substanceĬhromium VI is a form of the metallic element chromium. ![]() Industries where exposure occurs are the functional plating sector, steel, shipyards, construction, concrete industry and shops for repair and painting of auto bodies, trucks, trains and airplanes. ![]() Exposure also occurs by abrasive techniques of chromium VI-coated materials, like abrasive blasting, sanding and grinding. Other relevant areas of work are surface treatment applications of plastics and metals, e.g. Other types of work with potential exposure are the use of pigments, spray paints and coatings. Workplace exposure occurs mainly in welding and other types of ‘hot work’ on stainless steel and other metals that contain chromium VI. In addition, exposure to chromium VI can cause skin and respiratory sensitisation, like asthma, and can lead to specific organ toxicity to the lung, liver and kidney. Due to the strong corrosive properties, chromium VI has acute health effects as well. Chromium VI exposure occurs through breathing it in, ingestion via food or water, or direct contact with the skin. Studies of workers in chromate production, chromate pigment and chrome electroplating industries employed before the 1980s show increased rates of lung cancer mortality.Ĭhromium VI compounds are classified as Carcinogenic Category 1A, which means they are a proven cause of cancer in humans. It is estimated that about 900,000 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to chromium VI. ![]()
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