Chromium
Overview
- Chromium metal CAS No. 7440-47-3
- Chromium acid CAS No. 1333-82-0
Chromium metal (Cr) is a bluish to steel-gray brittle solid, often seen in gray powder form that burns if flame heated. Chromium is also found in chromic acid (CrO3), chromium compounds, and chromates. It is harmful to the skin, eyes, blood, and respiratory system. Workers may be harmed from exposure to chromium and its compounds. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
Chromium is used in many industries. It’s used in stainless steel and chrome plating, steel manufacture, paint pigments, leather tanning, and some heat-resistant applications. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to chromium include the following:
- Service workers who maintain copy machines and are exposed to toner inks
- Workers involved in the manufacture of steel
- Cement workers and those who work in cement-producing manufacturers
- Workers exposed to chromium-based pigmented paints or tanning dyes
NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses chromium-based compounds, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.
The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to chromium. Useful search terms for chromium include “chrome,” “elemental chromium,” and “chromium metal.”
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
- NIOSHTIC-2 search results on chromium—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
- NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
- Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH) Values—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
- NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Hexavalent Chromium
Selected Publications
- Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Welding, Brazing, and Thermal Cutting—DHHS (NIOSH) No. 88-110 (1988). Welders generally have a 40% increase in relative risk of developing lung cancer as a result of their work exposures. The risk of lung cancer for workers who weld on stainless steel appears to be associated with exposure to fumes that contain nickel and chromium. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures.
- NIOSH Occupational Health Guidelines for Chromium Metal and Insoluble Chromium Salts
- NIOSH Occupational Health Guidelines for Soluble Chromic and Chromous Salts (as Chromium)
Related Resources
- ATSDR ToxFAQs for Chromium
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Chromium
- ATSDR Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)
- EPA Air Toxics: Chromium Compounds
- EPA Chemistry Dashboard: Chromium (Chromium Compounds)
- EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Chromium (III)
- NLM Haz-Map: Chromium Metal and Chromium Compounds
- NLM Hazardous Substance Data Bank: Chromium
- OSHA Chemical Sampling Information
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Chromium
- RAIS Toxicity Profile: Chromium
- New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Chromium
International Resources
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Chromium
- Gestis Substance Database
- International Chemical Safety Card: Chromium
- International Chemical Safety Card: Chromium (VI) Oxide
- IPCS INCHEM: Chromium and Chromium (III) Compounds
- IPCS ICHEM Environmental Health Criteria 61: Chromium
- OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances