Employers and workers who need information about the health risks of chromium can find numerous resources on a new page on OSHA’s website that’s dedicated to the topic.
The Chromium Safety and Health Topics Page provides details about the health risks of various forms of chromium.
Chromium is a gray, hard metal valued for its high corrosion resistance and hardness. It is most often used in stainless steel and chrome plating.
Occupations that may involve exposure to chromium include painters; abrasive blasting welders; battery, dye and candle makers and cement workers.
Chromium exposure can cause asthma, eye irritation and damage, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, pulmonary congestion and edema, upper abdominal pain, nose irritation and damage, skin irritation, and erosion and discoloration of the teeth. It can also cause kidney damage, liver damage and respiratory cancer.
OSHA's chromium web page contains a link to the updated OSHA page on hexavalent chromium, as well as fact sheets on controlling exposures to chromium and OSHA requirements for protecting workers from chromium exposures in general industry, shipyards and construction.
