TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1162. HEALTH EFFECTSNo studies were located regarding musculoskeletal effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromiumor its compounds.Hepatic Effects. No reliable studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans after dermalexposure to chromium compounds.Information regarding liver effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromium or its compounds islimited. A single application of 0.5% potassium dichromate (0.175% chromium(VI)) to the shaved skinof rats resulted in increased levels of serotonin in the liver, decreased activities of acetylcholinesteraseand cholinesterase in the plasma and erythrocytes, increased levels of acetylcholine in the blood, andincreased glycoprotein hexose in the serum. These effects may indicate alterations in carbohydratemetabolism (Merkur'eva et al. 1982).Renal Effects. Acute nephritis with albuminuria and oliguria, polyuria, and nitrogen retention wereobserved in individuals after application of a salve that contained potassium chromate. These effectsdisappeared in individuals who survived. Autopsy of people who died revealed hyperemia and tubularnecrosis (Brieger 1920). Acute nephritis with polyuria and proteinuria were also described in 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 (Smith 1931).A 49-year-old man with an inoperable carcinoma of the face was treated with chromic acid crystals.Severe nephritis occurred after treatment with the chromium(VI) compound. Urinalysis revealed markedprotein in the urine. Death resulted 4 weeks after exposure. A postmortem examination of the kidneysrevealed extensive destruction of the tubular epithelium (Major 1922).No studies were located regarding renal effects in animals after dermal exposure to chromiumcompounds.Dermal Effects. Occupational exposure to airborne chromium compounds has been associated witheffects on the nasal septum, such as ulceration and perforation. These studies are discussed inSection 2.2.1.2 on Respiratory Effects. Dermal exposure to chromium compounds can cause contactallergic dermatitis in sensitive individuals, which is discussed in Section 2.2.3.3. Skin burns, blisters, andskin ulcers, also known as chrome holes or chrome sores, are more likely associated with direct dermalcontact with solutions of chromium compounds, but exposure of the skin to airborne fumes and mists ofchromium compounds may contribute to these effects.