TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 2422. HEALTH EFFECTSlimited to the respiratory system. Information on systemic effects of chronic inhalation exposure tochromium(III) is limited to a study that used a mixture of chromium(VI) and chromium(III). Studies ofintermediate- and chronic duration oral exposure to chromium(III) failed to find any systemic,neurological, developmental, reproductive, or carcinogenic effects. The immunological and genotoxiceffects of chromium(III) in animals have not been tested by the oral route. Information regarding effectsof dermal exposure of animals to chromium(III) is limited to a study of skin ulceration after acuteexposure and dermal sensitization tests.In addition to the information on chromium(VI) and chromium(III), limited information is availableregarding health effects of chromium(0) and chromium(IV) (not included in Figures 2-7 and 2-8).Briefly, the available information on chromium(0) consists of studies that examined workers at an alloysteel plant (Triebig et al. 1987) and boilermakers (Verschoor et al. 1988) for possible renal effects, withnegative results, and a genotoxicity study in rats exposed by inhalation to chromium(0) dust, which foundincreased incidences of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes (Koshiet al. 1987). Information on chromium(IV) consists of a 2-year inhalation study of chromium dioxide inrats that found no effects upon hematological, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis parameters and nohistopathological effects on respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, dermal/ocular,neurological, and reproductive organs (Lee et al. 1989).2.12.2 Identification of Data NeedsAcute-Duration Exposure. Acute inhalation exposure of humans to chromium(VI) as occurs inoccupational settings can result in respiratory irritation (dyspnea, cough, wheezing, sneezing, rhinorrhea,choking sensation), dizziness, and headache at high concentrations, and trigger asthmatic attacks insensitized individuals (Lieberman 1941; Meyers 1950; Novey et al. 1983; Olaguibel and Bosamba 1987).High airborne levels of chromium(VI) can also cause gastrointestinal irritation (Lucas and Kramkowski1975; Mancuso 1951; Meyers 1950). Information on toxic effects in humans after oral exposure tochromium(VI) is limited to case reports of humans who ingested lethal or near lethal doses. Seriousrespiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, hepatic, renal, and neurological effects havebeen described as sequelae leading to death (Clochesy 1984; Iserson et al. 1983; Kaufman et al. 1970;Saryan and Reedy 1988). Acute dermal exposure can cause skin burns and can also have similar sequelaethat lead to death (Brieger 1920; Major 1922). No information regarding systemic effects of acuteinhalation exposure of animals to chromium(VI) was located. Information regarding effects of acute oralexposure of animals to chromium(VI) is limited to a report of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in rats given a