TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 1832. HEALTH EFFECTSNecrosis of proximal tubules also occurred in hamsters after an acute intravenous dose of chromiumtrioxide (Gale 1978). Rats repeatedly injected intraperitoneally with potassium dichromate and chromiumtrioxide developed proximal tubular necrosis and enlargement of tubules, respectively (Laborda et al.1986). Rabbits injected intraperitoneally at 2 mg chromium/kg/day for 6 weeks developed markedtubular necrosis, derangement of the glomeruli, and infiltration of lymphocytes with either potassiumdichromate or chromium(III) nitrate (Mathur et al. 1977). Subcutaneous injection of monkeys with2.8 mg chromium(VI)/kg/day as potassium dichromate for 162 days resulted in massive proximal tubularnecrosis (Hunter and Roberts 1932). While these studies provide strong evidence that the kidney is atarget organ of chromium toxicity in animals, the methods of administration may not be predictive ofeffects or doses by environmentally relevant routes. Nevertheless, occupational exposure or exposure tohigh levels of chromium(VI) compounds by any route may result in kidney effects in humans, but itseems less likely that exposure levels in the ambient environment or at hazardous waste sites would causerenal effects in humans.Dermal Effects. Chromium compounds can produce effects on the skin and mucous membranes. Theseinclude irritation, burns, ulcers, an allergic type of dermatitis. Irritation of the nasal mucosa and othermucosal tissues of the respiratory system, and nasal septum ulcers, and perforation were considered underRespiratory Effects discussed above. Dermatitis is considered under Immunological Effects discussedbelow.Acute dermal exposure to chromium(VI) compounds can cause skin burns. Application of a salvecontaining potassium chromate to the skin of some individuals to treat scabies resulted in necrosis andsloughing of the skin, and some individuals even died as a result of infections of these areas (Brieger1920). A worker whose skin came into direct contact with the chromic acid as a result of an industrialaccident developed extensive skin burns (Cason 1959).Although skin contact with chromate salts may cause rashes, untreated ulcers or sores (also called chromeholes) on the skin can be a major problem because they can deeply penetrate the skin with prolongedexposure. For example, in an early case of a tannery worker, the penetration extended into the joint,necessitating amputation of the finger (Da Costa et al. 1916). However, chrome sores heal if exposure isdiscontinued, leaving a scar. Chrome sores are more often associated with occupational exposure tochromium(VI) compounds. Although chrome sores are more likely associated with direct dermal contactwith solutions of chromates, exposure of the skin to airborne fumes and mists of chromium(VI)compounds may contribute to the development. Industries that have been associated with the