TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1152. HEALTH EFFECTSCardiovascular Effects. Information regarding cardiovascular effects in humans after dermalexposure to chromium or its compounds is limited. Weak, thready, and markedly dicrotic pulsedeveloped .1.5 hours after a salve made up with potassium chromate to treat scabies was applied to skinof an unspecified number of individuals. Some of the people died as a result of infection to the exposedarea, and autopsy revealed degeneration of the heart (Brieger 1920).No studies were located regarding cardiovascular effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromium orits compounds.Gastrointestinal Effects. Vomiting occurred soon after application of a salve made up of potassiumchromate to the skin of an unspecified number of individuals for the treatment of scabies. Some of theseindividuals died as a result of infection of the exposed area, and autopsy revealed hyperemia of the gastricmucosa (Brieger 1920).Diarrhea was reported in New Zealand rabbits exposed to lethal concentrations of chromium(VI)compounds (Gad et al. 1986).Hematological Effects. Severe leukocytosis, with notable increases in immature polymorphonuclearcells, myelocytes, and myeloblasts and nucleated red cells and Howell-Jolly bodies, indicative ofhemolytic anemia were observed in individuals after application of a salve that contained potassiumchromate to treat scabies (Brieger 1920). Leukocytosis was also described in a case report of a man whowas admitted to a hospital with skin ulcers on both hands due to dermal exposure to ammoniumdichromate in a planographic printing establishment, where he had worked for a few months (Smith1931). It should be noted that the man had a history of asthma.No studies were located regarding hematological effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromiumcompounds.Musculoskeletal Effects. Information regarding musculoskeletal effects in humans after dermalexposure to chromium or its compounds is limited to a case report. A man was admitted to a hospitalwith skin ulcers on both hands due to dermal exposure to ammonium dichromate in a planographicprinting establishment, where he had worked for a few months. He also had tenderness and edema of themuscles of the extremities (Smith 1931).