Naturally occurring chromium exists predominantly as chromium III, occurring in rocks, soil, plants, animals, volcanic dust and gases and in coal and oil. chromium (VI) may be harmful to the reproductive system and to the unborn childĬhromium (VI) is used in the production and use of stainless steel and other chromium alloys, in pigments for paint and pottery, as catalysts in the chemical manufacturing industry, for the production of dyestuffs, in leather tanning agents, wood preservation and for electroplating/anodising.Ĭhromium (III) is used in a wide variety of industrial processes such as in the tanning of leather, in the manufacture of special alloys, plastics, ceramics and glass and as decorative plating for taps and door handles, as high temperature catalysts, and as a dietary supplement and textile dyeing to fix dyes to fibres, especially in wool dyes.skin contact to chromium (VI) can cause dermatitis or skin ulcers if left untreated.swallowing chromium can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea and heart failure, as well as damaging the gut, liver and kidneys and even death.repeated exposure can lead to inflammation of the lungs, kidney damage, and cancer of lung.breathing in chromium (VI) can lead to cough, swelling of airways and chest pain.breathing in chromium (III) can lead to swelling of the lungs and airways.From here on, the use of the term chromium will refer to both forms unless stated.Ĭhromium (VI) compounds present the most significant effect on health. The different types of chromium exhibit different properties, which is important for assessing the risk of potential harm to human health. Naturally occurring chromium exists mainly as chromium III.Ĭhromium VI is rarely found in nature and is produced mainly from commercial and industrial processes. It mainly occurs in the environment in 2 forms trivalent chromium (chromium III) and hexavalent chromium (VI). Chromium is a metal that is widely distributed in the earth’s crust (soil and rocks), air and water.

Hexavalent cr