Chromium

Learn what you need to know about chromium.

Also known as: Cr

What is chromium?

Chromium is a naturally occurring element which can be primarily be found in two different forms: "trivalent" chromium and "hexavalent" chromium.

Where can chromium be found?

"Trivalent" chromium is naturally occurring and is essential for good health. The normal intake from eating foods that are high in natural chromium is 70-80 micrograms per day and is considered safe. The less-toxic forms of chromium are used to make flooring materials, video and audio recording tapes, stainless steel, chrome-plated items and copy machine toner.

"Hexavalent" chromium can occur naturally, but can also be produced by certain industrial processes. It is the most toxic form of chromium, and has been shown to cause lung cancer when workers are exposed to high air levels for long time periods.

Metallic chromium is mined for use in steel and other metal products. Many chromium-containing compounds are used for plating, manufacturing paints and dyes, tanning leather and preserving wood.

Chromium exposure

People can be exposed to chromium by breathing chromium dust or fumes. This is the route of exposure that is of greatest concern.

Most human exposure to chromium through drinking and eating comes in the form of trivalent chromium found in fresh vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry.

Drinking water is not normally a major source of exposure. Plants can absorb chromium, which can then be passed to those who eat the plants. Contact with contaminated soils can result in exposure to chromium. Exposure can be reduced by thorough washing of exposed skin and clothing to remove soil residues. Chromium can pass through the skin, but this is probably not a major route of exposure.

What regulations and guidelines are available to protect people from chromium

Air

No standards exist for the amount of chromium allowed in the air of homes; however, occupational standards apply to industries where exposure to chromium may occur. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates the amount of chromium that can be released by industries.

Water

The state and federal drinking water standards for the total amount of all forms of chromium found in drinking water are set at 100 parts per billion (ppb). We suggest you stop drinking water containing more than 100 ppb of total chromium.

Additionally, the Department of Health Services (DHS) recommended a groundwater enforcement standard for hexavalent chromium in 2019 as part of the tenth cycle of groundwater standards. DHS recommends that people take action to reduce exposure, P-02434 when the hexavalent chromium level in drinking water are equal to or greater than 70 nanograms per liter (ng/L).

Health effects

The following health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to high levels of chromium:

• Irritation to mouth, throat, lungs, and nose following inhalation of hexavalent chromium particles.
• Skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Digestive problems, kidney damage, and liver damage after eating food or drinking water contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to hexavalent chromium:

• Lung cancer can develop after exposure to hexavalent chromium vapors or fumes.
• Exposure to hexavalent chromium can cause liver and kidney damage.
• Animal studies show that exposure to hexavalent chromium can result in changes to immune system function.
• Studies in laboratory animals exposed to hexavalent chromium show damage to developing fetuses and lowered sperm production in males.