The NIOSH Pocket Guide lists respiratory irritation, nasal-septum perforation, eye injury, sensitization dermatitis, and potential occupational carcinogenicity for chromic acid and chromates, with lung cancer listed as a cancer site and a chromium(VI) ceiling REL of 0.0002 mg/m3 as Cr.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: NIOSH Pocket Guide — Chromic acid and chromates ↗Dust entry
Chromium(VI) compound dust
Dust or powder containing chromium(VI) compounds, including chromic acid, chromium trioxide, and chromates.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
respiratory irritationnasal-septum perforationeye injuryconjunctivitissensitization dermatitisliver damagekidney damagepotential occupational carcinogenlung cancer concern
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed chromate handling
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust collection
- skin and eye protection
- exposure monitoring
- medical surveillance
- appropriate respiratory protection