TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1082. HEALTH EFFECTSrates from five villages of the areas using the contaminated water were combined, a significant increasein cancer incidence was observed over provincial incidences. However, total cancer incidences, stomachcancer incidence, or lung cancer incidence did not correlate with the degree of exposure to chromium(VI),with the villages exposed to the lowest drinking water levels having the higher incidences. The authorscommented that these more recent analyses of the data probably reflect lifestyle or environmental factorsrather than exposure to chromium(VI) being responsible for cancer in these regions.No evidence of carcinogenicity was found in mice exposed to potassium chromate in drinking water at9 mg chromium(VI)/kg/day for three generations (880 days). In treated mice, 2 of 66 females developedforestomach carcinoma and 9 of 66 females and 1 of 35 males developed forestomach papilloma. Thevehicle controls also developed forestomach papilloma (2 of 79 females, 3 of 47 males) but no carcinoma.The incidence of forestomach tumors in the treated mice was not significantly higher than controls. Coexposureto both potassium chromate and 3,4-benzpyrene in a similar protocol showed that potassiumchromate did not potentiate the carcinogenicity of 3,4-benzpyrene (Borneff et al. 1968). No evidence ofcarcinogenicity was observed in male or female rats fed diets containing chromium oxide at 2,040 mgchromium(III)/kg/day 5 days/week for 2 years. Moreover, no evidence of carcinogenicity was found inthe offspring of these rats after 600 days of observation (Ivankovic and Preussmann 1975).2.2.3 Dermal ExposureSome chromium(VI) compounds, such as, chromium trioxide (chromic acid), potassium dichromate,potassium chromate, sodium dichromate, and sodium chromate, are very caustic and can cause burnsupon dermal contact. These burns can facilitate the absorption of the compound and lead to systemictoxicity.2.2.3.1 DeathA 49-year-old man with an inoperable carcinoma of the face was treated with chromic acid crystals.Severe nephritis occurred following the treatment with the chromium(VI) compounds. Death occurred4 weeks after exposure (Major 1922). Twelve individuals died as a result of infection to necrotic areas ofthe skin that were caused by application of a salve made up with potassium chromate used to treatscabies. Renal failure was observed. Autopsies revealed fatty degeneration of the heart, hyperemia andnecrosis of kidney tubules, and hyperemia of the gastric mucosa (Brieger 1920).