Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium IV) is the Toxic Form of Chromium.

Health effects of Chromium

Respiratory:

The respiratory tract is the major target organ for Chromium VI toxicity. Breathing in high levels of Hexavalent Chromium can cause irritation to the nose and throat. Symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itching and a burning sensation.

Breathing small amounts of Hexavalent Chromium even for long periods does not cause respiratory tract irritation in most people.

Some employees become allergic to Hexavalent Chromium so that inhaling chromate compounds can cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Irritation or damage to the eyes and skin if Hexavalent Chromium contacts these organs in high concentrations.

Hexavalent Chromium may cause lung cancer in workers who breathe it airborne.

Skin:

Some employees can develop an allergic skin reaction, called Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This occurs from handling liquids or solids containing Hexavalent Chromium. Once an employee becomes allergic, brief skin contact causes swelling and a red, itchy rash that becomes crusty and thickened with prolonged exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis is long-lasting and more severe with repeated skin contact.

Direct skin contact with Hexavalent chromium can cause a non-allergic skin irritation. Contact with non-intact skin can also lead to chrome ulcers. These are small crusted skin sores with a rounded border. They heal slowly and leave scars.

How can employees be exposed to Hexavalent Chromium?

  • Inhaling airborne Hexavalent Chromium as a dust, fume or mist

  • Particles can be swallowed if the dust gets on hands, clothing, food or beverages producing chromate pigments and powders.

  • Working near chrome electroplating

  • Welding and hot working stainless steel, high chrome alloys, and chrome-coated metal

  • Allying and removing chromate-containing paints and other surface coatings

What can you do to protect yourself from exposure to Hexavalent Chromium?

Proper Protection

  1. Supplied Air Hood – Personnel wearing a supplied air hood will have a protection factor of at least 1,000.

  2. Full-face Cartridge Respirator – Personnel wearing a full face cartridge respirator will have a protection factor of at least 50.

  3. Half-face Cartridge Respirator – Personnel wearing half face respirator will have a protection factor of 10.

  4. Disposable coveralls with hood

  5. Booties

  6. Approved gloves

  7. Respirators should be properly washed and cartridges put in waste cups and rags barrel.

  8. After each use, always dispose of coveralls, booties and gloves in the waste cups and rags barrel.

  9. Never dry sweep dust from Cr(VI).

  10. Always properly clean tools after use with Cr(VI).

Remember GOOD HOUSEKEEPING!!!

by: Aurora Sommer, Local 514 Safety Committee

SAFETY-LIVE WITH IT!