Where in “old” electronic equipment is hexavalent chromium found?
Hexavalent chromium is used in two general applications in relation to electronic equipment: as a chromate conversion coating on metal surfaces to act as a corrosion inhibitor, and as pigments in plastic and ink. Other possible applications in relation to electronic equipment are the use of hexavalent chromium in the textile, leather, and glass industries. Note that the chromium found in a metal alloy such as stainless steel is not considered to be in the hexavalent state, and it is not environmentally available; the exception to this statement is when high chromium steels are welded, hexavalent chromium may be created and released in the fumes. Pigment colors that may contain hexavalent chromium include red, yellow, orange, and green.
