TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1752. HEALTH EFFECTSSystemic EffectsRespiratory Effects. The respiratory tract is the major target of inhalation exposure to chromium(III) andchromium(VI) compounds in humans and animals. Respiratory effects due to inhalation exposure areprobably due to direct action of chromium at the site of contact. Intermediate- and chronic-durationexposure of workers to chromium(VI) compounds has resulted in epistaxis, chronic rhinorrhea, nasal itchingand soreness, nasal mucosal atrophy, perforations and ulceration of the nasal septum, bronchitis,pneumonoconiosis, decreased pulmonary function, and pneumonia (Bovet et al. 1977; Cohen et al. 1974;Davies et al. 1991; Gomes 1972; Greater Tokyo Bureau of Hygiene 1989; Hanslian et al. 1967; Keskinen etal. 1980; Kleinfeld and Rosso 1965; Kuo et al. 1997a; Lee and Goh 1988; Letterer 1939; Lieberman 1941;Lindberg and Hedenstierna 1983; Lucas and Kramkowski 1975; Mancuso 1951; Meyers 1950; Novey et al.1983; Pastides et al. 1991; PHS 1953; Royle 1975b; Sassi 1956; Sluis-Cremer and du Toit 1968; Sorahan etal. 1987; Taylor 1966). In some chromium-sensitive patients, inhalation of airborne chromium(VI)compounds in the workplace may result in asthma (Keskinen et al. 1980; Novey et al. 1983; Olaguibel andBasomba 1989). The chromium-related industries associated with these effects include chrome plating,chromate and dichromate production, stainless steel welding, and possibly ferrochromium production andchromite mining. Nasal irritation and mucosal atrophy and decreases in pulmonary function have occurredat occupational exposure levels $0.002 mg chromium(VI)/m 3 as chromium trioxide mist (Lindberg andHedenstierna 1983). The LOAEL value of 0.002 mg chromium(VI)/m 3 for respiratory effects in workersexposed 8 hours/day, 5 days/week for 1 year was used as a basis for an inhalation MRL of0.000005 mg chromium(VI)/m 3 for intermediate-duration exposure to chromium(VI) as chromium trioxidemist and other dissolved hexavalent chromium aerosols and mists. Autopsies of humans who died fromcardiopulmonary arrest after ingesting chromium(VI) compounds have revealed pleural effusion, pulmonaryedema, bronchitis, and acute bronchopneumonia (Clochesy 1984; Ellis et al. 1982; Iserson et al. 1983).Respiratory effects due to ingestion of nonlethal doses are not likely to occur. It is not certain whether skincontact with chromium compounds could result in respiratory effects.Adverse effects on the respiratory system following inhalation exposure to chromium(III) and chromium(VI)have also been observed in animals. Acute- and intermediate-duration exposure to moderate levels ofchromium(III) and/or chromium(VI) compounds generally caused mild irritation, accumulation ofmacrophages, hyperplasia, inflammation, and impaired lung function (Glaser et al. 1985; Henderson et al.1979; Johansson et al. 1986a, 1986b). A LOAEL of 0.025 mg chromium(VI)/m 3 as potassium dichromateparticles for increased percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in rats exposes for 28 or90 days was identified (Glaser et al. 1985). Obstructive respiratory dyspnea at $0.2 mg chromium(VI)/m 3 ,