What is Chrome?

Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants and soil, also volcanic dust and gases. It is present in the environment in several different forms and the most common forms are chromium(0), chromium(III), and chromium(VI). No taste or odour is associated with chromium compounds.

Chromium (Cr) is a type of heavy metal that is used in many industrial applications.

• The metal chromium, which is the chromium(0) form, is used for making steel.
• Chromium(VI) and chromium(III) are used for chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving.

What are the effects from Exposure?

Exposure to any form of Chrome can cause damage to the nose, inflammation of the lungs, allergic reactions, kidney damage and lung cancer.

• Industrial welders are at high risk due to the nature of their working environment, furthermore repeated exposure to chromium through oral ingestion, skin contact, and/or inhalation may cause poisoning.
• Possible complications of Chromium Toxicity include increased blood and tissue acidity and inadequate blood supply to tissues may result in shock and kidney diseases.

Symptoms of Exposure

Common signs and symptoms of Chromium Toxicity due to inhalation or skin contact include:

• Eczematous dermatitis: A skin condition causing itchy skin rashes
• Edema (fluid accumulation in the body)
• Nasal ulcers
• Rhinitis and sinusitis
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Gingivitis and periodontitis – conditions affecting the teeth and gums
• Lesions in the fingers, knuckles, and forearms
• Bronchitis
• Skin sensitisation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Renal Failure