Hexavalent Chromium

Overview

CAS No. 18540-29-9

Hexavalent chromium is used in many industries. It’s used in electroplating, welding, and chromate painting. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to hexavalent chromium include the following:

• Welders working with carbon and stainless steel welding
• Steel mill workers in iron and steel foundries
• Workers who work with or near wet cement
• Employees working in the electroplating, wood preservation, or textile dyeing industries

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses hexavalent chromium, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Useful search terms for hexavalent chromium include “chromate” and “chrome six.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

Related NIOSH Resources

• NIOSHTIC-2 search results on hexavalent chromium – NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
• NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries – NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
• NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Chromium

Selected Publications

• NIOSH Criteria Document: Criteria for a Recommendation Standard for an Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromiumpdf icon – DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2013-128 (2013). This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures to hexavalent chromium.
• NIOSH Criteria Document: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Welding, Brazing, and Thermal Cutting – DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 88-110 (1988).  Welders are at an increased risk for lung cancer, among other illnesses. Fumes containing various chemicals including hexavalent chromium contribute to these risks. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures.
• NIOSH Comments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Request for Information on Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromiumpdf icon
• NIOSH Docket 144: Hexavalent Chromium Criteria Document

Related Resources

• ATSDR ToxFAQs for Chromium VI (En español)
• ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Chromium
• EPA Toxicological Review of Hexavalent Chromiumexternal icon
• EPA Chemistry Dashboard: Hexavalent Chromiumexternal icon
• EPA Integrated Risk Information System Information (IRIS) on Chromium (VI)external icon
• EPA SW-846 Test Method 0061: Determination of Hexavalent Chromium Emissions from Stationary Sourcesexternal icon
• NLM Haz-Map: Chromium Hexavalentexternal icon
• NLM Hazardous Substance Data Bank: Chromiumexternal icon
• NTP Report on Carcinogens (Fourteenth Edition): Hexavalent Chromiumpdf iconexternal icon
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Health Effects of Hexavalent Chromiumexternal icon
• OSHA Guidance: Preventing Skin Problems from Working with Portland Cementexternal icon
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standardexternal icon
• OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Hexavalent Chromiumexternal icon
• OSHA Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standardsexternal icon
• RAIS Toxicity Profile: Chromiumexternal icon
• New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Chromiumpdf iconexternal icon

International Resources

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Chromium Hexavalentexternal icon
• Gestis Substance Databaseexternal icon
• International Chemical Safety Card: Chromiumexternal icon
• International Chemical Safety Card: Chromium (VI) Oxideexternal icon
• IPCS INCHEM Environmental Health Criteria 61: Chromiumexternal icon
• OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substancesexternal icon