Hexavalent chromium

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.

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Publications

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

Education and training

Rules and rule-related

Final Rules
- Division 2, Subdivision Z, 1910-1026, Chromium (VI)
  3-2019 Word version
- Division 3, Subdivision Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances
  Administrative Order 11-2021 Word version
- Division 4, Subdivision Z, Chemical/Toxins
  Administrative Order 4-2022 Word version
Program Directives
- Chromium (VI) Inspection Procedures
  Purpose: The purpose of this Instruction is to provide guidelines and establish uniform inspection and compliance procedures for the occupational exposure standards for hexavalent chromium published in the Federal Register, February 28, 2006, and effective May 30, 2006.
  A-270 08/08/2008
- National Emphasis Program (NEP): Hexavalent Chromium
  Purpose: This directive describes policies and procedures for implementing a national emphasis program (NEP) in Oregon to identify and reduce or eliminate the health hazards associated with occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium and other toxic substances often found in conjunction with hexavalent chromium.
  A-278 08/18/2010

Video Resources

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