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Hexavalent chromium

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Overview

Hexavalent chromium (also known as chromium V1) comes from the chemical element chromium and made Erin Brockovich famous after she discovered it in the drinking water in Hinkley, Calif.

Hexavalent chromium exposure occurs from breathing it, ingesting it in food or water, or from direct contact with the skin. Health effects include nasal and sinus cancers, kidney and liver damage, skin ulceration, and eye damage.

Exposures occur mainly among workers who handle chromate-containing pigments, spray paints, or coatings; operate chrome plating baths; or weld or cut metals that contain chromium.

  • Fact sheets
    • Hexavalent chromium
      Describes the sources of hexavalent chromium, the risks of exposure and those likely to by affected - typically workers who handle pigments containing dry chromate and spray paints and coatings containing chromate, workers who operate chrome plating baths, and those who weld or cut metals containing chromium.
      English  10/11/2006

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