Hexavalent chromium is a form of the metallic element chromium. Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and volcanic dust and gases. It exists in several different forms, including trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is often called chromium (III) and is considered an essential nutrient for the body. In contrast, hexavalent chromium or chromium (VI) is usually produced by industrial processes.
Chromium compounds, such as hexavalent chromium, are widely used in electroplating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, textile production, and wood preservation. However, it has been determined that hexavalent chromium compounds cause lung cancer in humans. Hexavalent chromium exposure occurs by inhalation, ingestion with food or water, or by direct skin contact. The risk of cancer is quite high in employees exposed to high levels of chromium in the working environment.
Those working in industries that process or use chromium or chromium compounds are exposed to higher-than-normal levels of chromium. Occupational exposures occur mainly among workers dealing with chromate-containing pigments, spray paints or coatings.
The NIOSH 7600 standard, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), defines a test method for determining hexavalent chromium emissions in the air. This standard relates to a range of industrial sources, including metal plating, tanning, chromite ore processing, and spray painting; combustion sources such as automobiles and incinerators; and fugitive dust from contaminated soil. The standard sets a threshold limit of 50 micrograms/m³. It is of interest in industry because it assesses the potential cancer risks for workers exposed to hexavalent chromium at levels significantly below this value.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) agree that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that airborne hexavalent chromium is a human carcinogen.
Our organization also provides hexavalent chromium testing services within the scope of NIOSH 7600 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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