Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium (VI) and hex chrom, is the toxic form of the metal chromium. It has many industry sources, including chromate pigments in paints and dyes; chromates used as anticorrosive agents in primers and surface coatings; chromic acid electroplated on to metal parts; and particle byproducts that result from welding and smelting specific metals. There are serious potential health effects as a result of exposure to hexavalent chromium in the workplace. Employees are at risk for cancer, respiratory problems, contact dermatitis, and eye infections. These risks led OSHA to introduce a standard (29 CFR 1910.1026) to regulate occupational exposures to hexavalent chromium and it imposes strict exposure limits in the workplace. This course outlines the sources of hexavalent chromium, the potential health effects of exposure to hexavalent chromium that’s above the permissible levels, and how OSHA regulates chromium in the workplace by regular monitoring and medical surveillance.