Chromium (III) compounds: Health effects
Description
This depends on how much chromium a person has been exposed to, for how long, the nature of the chromium compound(s), and current state of health. Trivalent chromium compounds are considerably less toxic than the hexavalent compounds and are neither irritating nor corrosive under normal conditions. However, all forms of chromium can be toxic at high levels. People who are allergic to chromium may have asthma attacks after breathing high levels of chromium (III) in air. Repeated or prolonged skin contact may cause irritation. In severe cases, skin allergy can occur with itching, redness and/or an eczema-like rash.
Entering the body
Chromium can be inhaled or ingested.
Exposure
Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient in the diet of humans and animals in very small amounts. Very small amounts of chromium (III) are in everyday foods. Other forms of chromium are not needed by living organisms. The general population is exposed to chromium (III) in food, drinking water and in air. Atmospheric contamination is caused by the combustion of natural gas, oil and coal.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia:
The eight hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure for chromium (III) compounds (as Cr) is 0.5 mg/m3.
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