Chromium is a common element in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals. It gets into surface or groundwater after dissolving from rocks and soil. Chromium is used to manufacture steel, to electroplate metal, and in the textile, tanning, and leather industries. Contamination of drinking water may occur if chromium gets into surface or groundwater after improper waste disposal in landfills or by industrial or manufacturing facilities using chromium.
Chromium is found in the environment in two principal forms: chromium (III) and chromium (VI). Chromium (III) compounds are the most common chromium compounds in the environment. Chromium (VI) compounds are less common in the environment and are typically associated with an industrial source. Depending on the conditions, each form of chromium can be converted into the other form in the environment.
Chromium (VI) is the more toxic form of chromium. There is strong evidence from human studies in many countries that occupational exposures to chromium (VI) in air can cause lung cancer. There is weaker evidence from studies in China that long-term exposure to chromium (VI) in drinking water can cause stomach cancer. Chromium (VI) causes cancer in laboratory animals exposed almost daily to high levels in air (lung cancer) or drinking water (mouth and intestinal cancers) over their lifetimes. Adverse gastrointestinal-tract effects (oral ulcers, stomach or abdominal pain, diarrhea) other than cancer also are associated with long-term human exposures to oral doses of chromium (VI). In laboratory animals, repeated exposures to high oral doses of chromium (VI) has caused blood, liver, and kidney damage in adult animals, and can adversely affect the developing fetus and the male and female reproductive organs. Chemicals that cause cancer or other adverse health effects in people or laboratory animals exposed to high levels also may increase the risk of such effects in people exposed to lower levels over long periods. Prepared by New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment, March 14, 2011.
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