Hexavalent Chromium

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

Overview

CAS No. 18540-29-9

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are a large group of chemicals with varying properties, uses, and workplace exposures. Hexavalent chromium is harmful to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. NIOSH considers all Cr(VI) compounds to be occupational carcinogens. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hexavalent chromium. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Hexavalent chromium is used in many industries. It’s used in electroplating, welding, and chromate painting. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to hexavalent chromium include the following:

Welders working with carbon and stainless steel welding
Steel mill workers in iron and steel foundries
Workers who work with or near wet cement
Employees working in the electroplating, wood preservation, or textile dyeing industries

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses hexavalent chromium, 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 hexavalent chromium. Useful search terms for hexavalent chromium include “chromate” and “chrome six.”

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 hexavalent 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.
NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Chromium

Selected Publications

NIOSH Criteria Document: Criteria for a Recommendation Standard for an Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromiumpdf icon – DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2013-128 (2013). This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures to hexavalent chromium.
NIOSH Criteria Document: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Welding, Brazing, and Thermal Cutting – DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 88-110 (1988). Welders are at an increased risk for lung cancer, among other illnesses. Fumes containing various chemicals including hexavalent chromium contribute to these risks. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures.
NIOSH Comments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Request for Information on Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromiumpdf icon
NIOSH Docket 144: Hexavalent Chromium Criteria Document

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 21, 2019

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health