Chromium

Environmental behavior

Persistence and movement

Chromium does not break down, but it can change between forms. Hexavalent chromium is generally more mobile and toxic than trivalent chromium.

Pathways

How exposure may occur

• Breathing dust, mist, or fumes in occupational and industrial settings
• Drinking contaminated water or ingesting soil
• Skin contact with chromium-containing material

People

Potential long-term human effects

• Hexavalent chromium can irritate and damage the respiratory system and skin.
• Long-term inhalation exposure increases lung-cancer risk.
• Effects differ substantially between chromium forms.

Other living systems

Potential ecological effects

• Chromium can affect survival, growth, and reproduction in aquatic organisms and plants.
• Ecological toxicity depends strongly on oxidation state and water or soil chemistry.

Limits

Important uncertainty

A record stating only 'chromium' should not be interpreted as hexavalent chromium without speciation data.