What Are the Dangers of Hexavalent Chromium?
Hexavalent chromium is a danger to those who are exposed to it, but not many people know what it is and why it harms people. Knowing the effects can help you decide if you want to work in an area where exposure is possible. Definition Hexavalent chromium is primarily used as an anti-corrosive in paints and primers and also can be used when welding or metalworking. Hexavalent chromium is often hard and expensive to dispose of, so companies get rid of it illegally. Respiratory Damage Exposure to a small amount of hexavalent chromium can irritate the nose and throat, but prolonged exposure can do much more damage. Chronic respiratory infections are a common issue with people exposed to hexavalent chromium, which may also cause asthma-like symptoms. Skin Effects People working in an environment with hexavalent chromium may experience some level of skin rash when it touches their skin. Prolonged exposure could develop into skin ulcers or dermatitis. Warning Exposure to eyes can cause severe
Trivalent chromium or Cr (III) is a metal that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, plants and animals and is an essential nutrient. The most dangerous form of chromium, hexavalent chromium or Cr (VI), forms when Cr (III) is heated in the presence of mineral bases, and it is solely used as an industrial product. Multiple scientific studies show that hexavalent chromium is powerfully toxic with a range of ill-effects on human health.
