Facts About Hexavalent Chromium

Description

• Two forms of commercially used hexavalent chromium known as chromate (CrO4) and dichromate (Cr2O7) contain only chromium and oxygen molecules. A third type of commonly used hexavalent chromium known as hydrochromate (HCrO4) also contains hydrogen. Metal and chemical manufacturers combine chromate, dichromate and hydrochromate with aluminum, calcium, potassium and sodium to make them usable for numerous purposes.

Paints, Coatings and Inks

• A majority of hexavalent chromium sees use as an additive to paints, coating and inks. Adding the compound makes these chemical products more eye-catching and resistant to corrosion.

Electroplating and Alloying

• Hexavalent chromium also serves a primary component of chrome plate. This most visible use of hexavalent chromium also creates quite a bit of waste and is subject to tight regulations. Some steel makers also add hexavalent chromium to steel to make the metal resistant to rust.

Welding and Cutting

• Heating other forms of chromium results in the formation of hexavalent chromium. People who weld or cut chromium plate or objects coated with chrome need to protect themselves against breathing in or exposing themselves to hexavalent chromium residue.

Health Risks

• A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website devoted to the health risks of hexavalent chromium states that all forms of the compound can potentially cause cancer, with lung cancer being a particular risk for people who work with hexavalent chromium. The fact sheet further states that getting hexavalent chromium on one's skin can cause irritation, ulceration and rash. Breathing in hexavalent chromium dust causes even worse problems, including asthma, nosebleeds, nasal cancer, perforated eardrums, kidney and liver damage, tooth discoloration and erosion of the esophagus.

Chromium Pollution

• Hexavalent chromium released into the environment bonds easily with dust particles and can get carried far from its point or origin through air and water. The compound does not break down in soil or water, so people need to physically remove or treat dirt and liquids contaminated with hexavalent chromium.