Hexavalent Chromium
Industrial Hygiene Hexavalent Chromium www.saif.com INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Hexavalent Chromium
Introduction
Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), has many uses in industrial processes. Some major industrial sources of hexavalent chromium are: Chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics. Chromates added as anti-corrosive agents to paints, primers and other surface coatings. Chrome plating by depositing chromium metal onto an item’s surface using a solution of chromic acid. Particles released during smelting of ferro-chromium ore. Fume from welding stainless steel or nonferrous chromium alloys. Impurity present in Portland cement. SAIF Corporation has developed this guide to assist our policyholders with knowledge of the rules, the toxic effects, and how to minimize exposures to hexavalent chromium.
SS-835
November 2009
Industrial Hygiene Hexavalent Chromium www.saif.com Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 Workplace Assessment ................................................................................................... 3 Step-by-Step Approach .................................................................................................... 3 General Information & Sources of Exposure.................................................................. 4 Health Hazards ............................................................................................................... 4 Routes of Entry ............................................................................................................... 5 Factors Affecting the Magnitude of Occupational Risk ................................................. 5 Prevention of Occupational Poisoning ........................................................................... 6 The Occupational Hexavalent Chromium Standard ....................................................... 7
Hexavalent Chromium
Introduction
Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), has many uses in industrial processes. Some major industrial sources of hexavalent chromium are: Chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics. Chromates added as anti-corrosive agents to paints, primers and other surface coatings. Chrome plating by depositing chromium metal onto an item’s surface using a solution of chromic acid. Particles released during smelting of ferro-chromium ore. Fume from welding stainless steel or nonferrous chromium alloys. Impurity present in Portland cement. SAIF Corporation has developed this guide to assist our policyholders with knowledge of the rules, the toxic effects, and how to minimize exposures to hexavalent chromium.
SS-835
November 2009
Industrial Hygiene Hexavalent Chromium www.saif.com Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 Workplace Assessment ................................................................................................... 3 Step-by-Step Approach .................................................................................................... 3 General Information & Sources of Exposure.................................................................. 4 Health Hazards ............................................................................................................... 4 Routes of Entry ............................................................................................................... 5 Factors Affecting the Magnitude of Occupational Risk ................................................. 5 Prevention of Occupational Poisoning ........................................................................... 6 The Occupational Hexavalent Chromium Standard ....................................................... 7