CHROMIUM, HEXAVALENT

Doris Valle

6th Pd APES

March 14, 2012

CHROMIUM HEXAVALENT

Exist as several forms: chromate pigments, chromate acids, & fuming liquid

Does not react with water at room temperature, It’s unstable in oxygen & produces a thin oxide layer that is impermeable to it and protects the metal.

Characteristics: Gray, white, & brittle as a solid Practically insoluble in water Doesn’t tarnish in air

CHROMIUM HEXAVALENT Movement: Enters

the air, water and soil through natural processes and human activities. Most will eventually settle and end up in waters or soils. It enters the human body through inhalation in the form of dust, fume or mist.

Major Sources: stainless steel production, paints, welding, anticorrosion agents, photography, waste incineration, volcanic dust & gas

CHROMIUM HEXAVALENT Toxicity Level: Extremely toxic especially when

inhaled Environmental Damage:

Can contaminate water Can cause soil acidification which damages crops High concentrations can damage the gills of fish Can cause respiratory problems, lower ability to

fight disease, infertility, birth defects, and tumors in animals

CHROMIUM HEXAVALENT

Health Risk: Carcinogen Skin rashes Ulcers Respiratory problems Weak immune systems Kidney and liver damage Alteration of genetic material Lung cancer

WORKS CITED

"Chromium Compounds." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2007.

Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/chromium.html>.

"Chromium - Cr." Chromium (Cr). Lenntech, 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.

<http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cr.htm>.

Mukherjee, Bidisha. "Effects of Hexavalent Chromium." Buzzle.com.

Buzzle.com, 30 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.

<http://www.buzzle.com/articles/effects-of- hexavalent-

chromium.html>.