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PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

This Public Health Statement is the summary chapter from the Toxicological Profile for Chromium. It is 

one in a series of Public Health Statements about hazardous substances and their health effects. A shorter 

version, the ToxFAQsTM, is also available. This information is important because this substance may 

harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you 

are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. For more information, 

call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. 

This public health statement tells you about chromium and the effects of exposure to it. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites in the 

nation. These sites are then placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) and are targeted for long-term 

federal clean-up activities. Chromium has been found in at least 1,127 of the 1,699 current or former 

NPL sites. Although the total number of NPL sites evaluated for this substance is not known, the 

possibility exists that the number of sites at which chromium is found may increase in the future as more 

sites are evaluated. This information is important because these sites may be sources of exposure and 

exposure to this substance may harm you. 

When a substance is released either from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container, 

such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment. Such a release does not always lead to exposure. You 

can be exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, 

eating, or drinking the substance, or by skin contact. 

If you are exposed to chromium, many factors will determine whether you will be harmed. These factors 

include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how you come in contact with it. You must 

also consider any other chemicals you are exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and 

state of health. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

1.1 WHAT IS CHROMIUM? 

Description Chromium is a naturally-occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, 

and soil. 

The three main forms of chromium are chromium(0), chromium(III), and 

chromium(VI). Small amounts of chromium(III) are considered to be a 

necessity for human health. 

Uses 

 • manufacturing 

• consumer 

products 

Chromium is widely used in manufacturing processes. 

Chromium can be found in many consumer products such as: 

• wood treated with copper dichromate.

 • leather tanned with chromic sulfate.

 • stainless steel cookware. 

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO CHROMIUM WHEN IT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT?
 

Sources Chromium can be found in air, soil, and water after release from the 

manufacture, use, and disposal of chromium-based products, and during 

the manufacturing process. 

Break down

 • air 

• water and soil 

Chromium does not usually remain in the atmosphere, but is deposited 

into the soil and water. 

Chromium can change from one form to another in water and soil, 

depending on the conditions present. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO CHROMIUM?
 

Air exposure You can be exposed to chromium by breathing air containing it or drinking 

water containing chromium. Releases of chromium into the air can occur 

from: 

• industries using or manufacturing chromium

 • living near a hazardous waste facility that contains chromium

 • cigarette smoke 

Rural or suburban air generally contains lower concentrations of chromium 

than urban air. 

• <10 ng/m3

 in rural areas 

• 0–30 ng/m3

 in urban areas 

• as a result of smoking, indoor air contaminated with chromium can be 

10–400 times greater than outdoor air concentrations 

Water and soil Chromium is occasionally detected in groundwater, drinking water, or soil 

samples. Some ways to be exposed to chromium include: 

• drinking water containing chromium

 • bathing in water containing chromium 

Workplace air A large number of workers are potentially exposed to chromium. The 

highest potential exposure occurs in the metallurgy and tanning industries, 

where workers may be exposed to high air concentrations. 

Food The general population is most likely to be exposed to trace levels of 

chromium in the food that is eaten. Low levels of chromium(III) occur 

naturally in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, 

and meats. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

1.4 HOW CAN CHROMIUM ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY? 

Enter your body

 • inhalation 

 • ingestion

 • dermal 

contact 

When you breathe air containing chromium, some of the chromium will enter 

your body through your lungs. Some forms of chromium can remain in the 

lungs for several years or longer. 

A small percentage of ingested chromium will enter the body through the 

digestive tract. 

When your skin comes in contact with chromium, small amounts of 

chromium will enter your body. 

Leave your body Chromium(VI) is changed to chromium(III) in the body. Most of the 

chromium leaves the body in the urine within a week, although some may 

remain in cells for several years or longer. 

1.5 HOW CAN CHROMIUM AFFECT MY HEALTH? 

This section looks at studies concerning potential health effects in animal and human studies. 

Respiratory tract Chromium(VI) compounds are more toxic than chromium(III) compounds. 

The most common health problem in workers exposed to chromium 

involves the respiratory tract. These health effects include irritation of the 

lining of the nose, runny nose, and breathing problems (asthma, cough, 

shortness of breath, wheezing). Workers have also developed allergies to 

chromium compounds, which can cause breathing difficulties and skin 

rashes. 

The concentrations of chromium in air that can cause these effects may be 

different for different types of chromium compounds, with effects occurring 

at much lower concentrations for chromium(VI) compared to chromium(III) . 

However, the concentrations causing respiratory problems in workers are at 

least 60 times higher than levels normally found in the environment. 

Respiratory tract problems similar to those observed in workers have been 

seen in animals exposed to chromium in air. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

Stomach and The main health problems seen in animals following ingestion of 

Small Intestine chromium(VI) compounds are to the stomach and small intestine (irritation 

and ulcer) and the blood (anemia). Chromium(III) compounds are much 

less toxic and do not appear to cause these problems. 

Male Reproductive 

System 

Sperm damage and damage to the male reproductive system have also 

been seen in laboratory animals exposed to chromium(VI). 

Cancer The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined 

that chromium(VI) compounds are carcinogenic to humans. The National 

Toxicology Program 11th Report on Carcinogens classifies chromium(VI) 

compounds as known to be human carcinogens. 

In workers, inhalation of chromium(VI) has been shown to cause lung 

cancer. An increased in stomach tumors was observed in humans exposed 

to chromium(VI) in drinking water. 

In laboratory animals, chromium(VI) compounds have been shown to cause 

tumors to the stomach,intestinal tract and lung. 

1.6 HOW CAN CHROMIUM AFFECT CHILDREN? 

This section discusses potential health effects in humans from exposures during the period from 

conception to maturity at 18 years of age. 

Effects in children There are no studies that have looked at the effects of chromium exposure 

on children. It is likely that children would have the same health effects as 

adults. We do not know whether children would be more sensitive than 

adults to the effects of chromium. 

Birth defects There are no studies showing that chromium causes birth defects in 

humans. In animals, some studies show that exposure to high doses during 

pregnancy may cause miscarriage, low birth weight, and some changes in 

development of the skeleton and reproductive system. Birth defects in 

animals may be related, in part, to chromium toxicity in the mothers. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

1.7 HOW CAN FAMILIES REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE TO CHROMIUM? 

Avoid tobacco 

smoke 

Avoid older 

pressure treated 

lumber 

Launder clothing 

from work sites 

Chromium is a component of tobacco smoke. Avoid smoking in enclosed 

spaces like inside the home or car in order to limit exposure to children and 

other family members. 

In the past, pressure treated wood used chromated copper arsenate; 

however, the use of this product in residential settings was discontinued 

effective December 31, 2003. Avoiding older pressure treated lumber can 

reduce your risk of exposure to chromium. You may also have your water 

tested to ensure that you are not exposed to high levels of chromium. 

Clothing or items removed from the workplace may contain chromium if you 

are employed in a setting where occupational exposure is significant. 

Therefore, common sense hygiene and laundry practices may help avoid 

unnecessary exposures. 

1.8 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO 

CHROMIUM? 

Scientists use many tests to protect the public from harmful effects of toxic chemicals and to find ways 

for treating persons who have been harmed. 

Detecting 

exposure 

Since chromium is a required nutrient in the body and is normally present in 

food, chromium is normally present in blood, urine, and body tissues. 

Measuring 

exposure 

Higher than normal levels of chromium in blood or urine may indicate that a 

person has been exposed to chromium. However, increases in blood and 

urine chromium levels cannot be used to predict the kind of health effects 

that might develop from that exposure. 

1.9 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO 

PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH? 

The federal government develops regulations and recommendations to protect public health. Regulations 

can be enforced by law. The EPA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are some federal agencies that develop regulations for toxic 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

substances. Recommendations provide valuable guidelines to protect public health, but cannot be 

enforced by law. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are two federal organizations that develop 

recommendations for toxic substances. 

Regulations and recommendations can be expressed as “not-to-exceed” levels. These are levels of a toxic 

substance in air, water, soil, or food that do not exceed a critical value. This critical value is usually based 

on levels that affect animals; they are then adjusted to levels that will help protect humans. Sometimes 

these not-to-exceed levels differ among federal organizations because they used different exposure times 

(an 8-hour workday or a 24-hour day), different animal studies, or other factors. 

Recommendations and regulations are also updated periodically as more information becomes available. 

For the most current information, check with the federal agency or organization that provides it. 

Some regulations and recommendations for chromium include the following: 

Levels in drinking 

water set by EPA 

The EPA has determined that exposure to chromium in drinking water at 

concentrations of 1 mg/L for 1 day or 10 days is not expected to cause any 

adverse effects in a child. 

Levels in bottled 

water set by FDA 

The FDA has determined that the chromium concentration in bottled 

drinking water should not exceed 0.1 mg/L. 

Levels in 

workplace air set 

by OSHA 

OSHA set a legal limit for chromium(VI) of 0.0005 mg/m3

 chromium in air 

averaged over an 8-hour work day, for chromium(III) of 0.5 mg/m3

 chromium 

in air averaged over an 8-hour work day, and for chromium(0) of 1.0 mg/m3 

chromium in air averaged over an 8-hour work day. 

1.10 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? 

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or 

environmental quality department, or contact ATSDR at the address and phone number below. 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

Chromium 

CAS # 7440-47-3 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008 

ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics 

specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses that result from exposure to hazardous 

substances. 

Toxicological profiles are also available on-line at www.atsdr.cdc.gov and on CD-ROM. You may 

request a copy of the ATSDR ToxProfilesTM CD-ROM by calling the toll-free information and technical 

assistance number at 1-800-CDCINFO (1-800-232-4636), by e-mail at cdcinfo@cdc.gov, or by writing 

to: 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine 

 1600 Clifton Road NE 

 Mailstop F-32 

 Atlanta, GA 30333

 Fax: 1-770-488-4178
 

Organizations for-profit may request copies of final Toxicological Profiles from the following: 

National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 

5285 Port Royal Road

 Springfield, VA 22161

 Phone: 1-800-553-6847 or 1-703-605-6000
 

Web site: http://www.ntis.gov/
 

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov