TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1092. HEALTH EFFECTSSingle-dose dermal LD 50 values in New Zealand rabbits exposed to chromium(VI) as sodium chromate,sodium dichromate, potassium dichromate, and ammonium dichromate were determined by Gad et al.(1986). LD 50 values ranged from 361 to 553 mg chromium(VI)/kg for females and from 336 to 763 mgchromium(VI)/kg for males. Signs of toxicity included dermal necrosis, eschar formation, dermal edemaand erythema, and diarrhea and hypoactivity. The dermal LD 50 value for chromium trioxide was 30 mgchromium(VI)/kg for combined sexes (American Chrome and Chemical 1989). The LD 50 values arerecorded in Table 2-3.2.2.3.2 Systemic EffectsSeveral reports of health effects in individuals treated with potassium dichromate are discussed below(Brieger 1920; Major 1922; Smith 1931). The results of these studies should be interpreted cautiouslybecause pre-existing conditions may have contributed to the observed effects. The highest NOAEL valueand all reliable LOAEL values for dermal effects in each species and duration category are recorded inTable 2-3.Respiratory Effects. Occupational exposure to chromium compounds results in direct contact ofmucocutaneous tissue, such as nasal and pharyngeal epithelium, due to inhalation of airborne dust andmists of these compounds. Such exposures have led to nose and throat irritation and nasal septumperforation. Because exposure is to airborne chromium, studies noting these effects are described inSection 2.2.1.2.A case report of a man who was admitted to a hospital with skin ulcers on both hands due to dermalexposure to ammonium dichromate in a planographic printing establishment where he had worked for afew months noted that he also had breathing difficulties. However, because he also had many previousattacks of hay fever and asthma, it was not possible to distinguish whether his breathing difficulties werecaused by or exacerbated by dermal exposure to ammonium dichromate (Smith 1931).No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromium or itscompounds.