TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHROMIUM - Davidborowski.com

CHROMIUM 2452. HEALTH EFFECTSanimals than there are regarding the effects of oral exposure. Studies of populations residing in areascontaminated with chromium(VI) in Japan and China have found such effects as oral ulcer, diarrhea,abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, nose and eye irritation, headache, fatigue, dizziness,and leukocytosis (Greater Tokyo Bureau of Hygiene 1989; Zhang and Li 1987). Chronic inhalationstudies with rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits also identify the respiratory system as the main target ofchromium(VI) and chromium(III) exposure (Glaser et al. 1986, 1988; Nettesheim and Szakal 1972;Steffee and Baetjer 1965). Chronic oral exposure to chromium(III) and chromium(VI) compounds didnot result in any target organ toxicity in animals (Ivankovic and Preussmann 1975; MacKenzie et al.1958; Schroeder et al. 1965), probably due to the poor absorption of chromium through thegastrointestinal tract. No MRLs for systemic effects after chronic oral exposure have been derivedbecause the target organs have not been identified and no NOAEL for reproductive effects of oralexposures has been adequately characterized. However, the upper range of the estimated safe andadequate daily dietary intake of 200 µg/day (0.003 mg/kg/day for a 70 kg individual) (NRC 1989) hasbeen adapted as provisional guidance for oral exposure to chromium(VI) and chromium(III). Thisguidance is necessary because of the prevalence of chromium at hazardous waste sites and the fact thatchromium is an essential nutrient. As noted above, the skin is a sensitive target of toxicity in workersexposed to airborne chromium (the effects resulted from direct dermal contact with chromium). Nochronic dermal studies in animals were located. Because water and soil sources can be contaminated nearhazardous waste sites, more information regarding chronic oral or dermal exposure would be useful.Occupational and environmental epidemiological studies indicate a correlation between long-termexposure to chromium(VI) compounds and lung cancer (Alderson et al. 1981; Baetjer 1950b; Bidstrup1951; Bidstrup and Case 1956; Braver et al. 1985; Dalager et al. 1980; Davies 1979, 1984; Davies et al.1991; EEH 1976, 1983; Enterline 1974; Franchini et al. 1983; Frentzel-Beyme 1983; Haguenoer et al.1981; Hayes et al. 1979, 1989; Korallus et al. 1982; Langård and Norseth 1975; Langård and Vigander1983; Langård et al. 1980; Machle and Gregorius 1948; Mancuso 1975, 1997a; Mancuso and Hueper1951; Ohsaki et al. 1978; Pastides et al. 1991, 1994; PHS 1953; Rosenman and Stanbury 1996; Sassi1956; Satoh et al. 1981; Sheffet et al. 1982; Silverstein et al. 1981; Sjogren et al. 1987; Sorahan et al.1987; Taylor 1966; Zhang and Li 1987). Occupational studies generally consider inhalation exposures,while environmental studies involve exposure by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Additionalstudies on populations exposed to chromium in drinking water would be useful to determine if a causalrelationship with cancer exists. A unit risk for cancer from inhalation exposure to chromium(VI)compounds has been derived (IRIS 1998) from an occupational study (Mancuso 1975). Chronicinhalation of chromium(VI) compounds was carcinogenic in rats (Glaser et al. 1986) and mice