Chromium

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Overview
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
Selected Publications
Related Resources
International Resources

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

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

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 Saltspdf icon
NIOSH Occupational Health Guidelines for Soluble Chromic and Chromous Salts (as Chromium)pdf icon

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 24, 2019

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health