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Hexavalent chromium compounds and your health

A man in a factory, wearing protective gear, welding a large pipe.

The risk to your health from breathing in any chemical depends on how much is in the air and how long and how often you breathe it in. Not all people have the same risk. Age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors play a role in how exposure to chemicals affects health. Breathing very high levels of hexavalent chromium compounds for hours or days can cause different health impacts than breathing high levels of hexavalent chromium compounds for years. While you can’t control all the sources of these chemicals in the environment, taking action to reduce your exposure can lower your risk of health effects now and in the future.

What are hexavalent chromium compounds and where do they come from?

Hexavalent chromium compounds, also known as chromium VI, are groups of chemicals that contain the metal chromium. When heated, the compounds are released into the air. Coal-fired power plants, diesel-fueled equipment, and metalworking release hexavalent chromium compounds into the air. Everyone is exposed to small amounts of these chemicals every day. Low levels of hexavalent chromium are in the outdoor environment, in cars and buses, in the workplace, and in the home.

Hexavalent chromium compounds and your health

  • Breathing low levels of hexavalent chromium for a short time usually does not cause immediate or serious health impacts. Some people may experience nose, throat, and eye irritation.
  • Breathing very high levels of hexavalent chromium can lead to sores or ulcers within the nose.
  • Prolonged exposure to hexavalent chromium increases the risk of developing cancers, including lung cancer. Spending more time around hexavalent chromium and being in environments with higher amounts raises the chances of developing cancer.
  • There is some evidence that higher exposures to hexavalent chromium may increase the risk of fertility problems.
  • People with asthma, young children, older adults, and people who are sensitive to chemicals may be more likely to have health impacts from hexavalent chromium compounds.

If you have serious symptoms or symptoms that don’t go away, contact a healthcare provider.

If you don’t have insurance or a healthcare provider, we encourage you to apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Visit Health First Colorado.

Reducing exposure to hexavalent chromium reduces the risk of health problems

There are rules and regulations to help protect the environment and health, but you can also take steps to further minimize exposure. If you are concerned about hexavalent chromium, consider these steps to reduce your exposure:

  • When you are working with materials that may contain chromium, such as certain paints or metal coatings, take precautions. Follow all instructions carefully and use the recommended protective gear.
  • If you work with materials that may contain hexavalent chromium, wash your hands after contact, especially before touching your face or eating.
  • If you do any type of metalworking, make sure to wear protective gear such as a respirator and gloves.
  • Reduce your exposure to welding fumes and other metal vapors or dust.
  • Reducing the amount and time spent exposed to hexavalent chromium can lower overall cancer risk. There are things you can do to help reduce your total risk of cancer.

Learn more about hexavalent chromium compounds

Contact

For information about hexavalent chromium and your health, contact ToxCall at 303-692-2606 or cdphe_toxcall@state.co.us.