Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015 

Language: English (US) Version 2 

Page 1 of 9

1.1 Product Identifier

Product Name: Chromium

Product Form: Solid 

Chemical Family: Metal

CAS Number: 7440-47-3 

Molecular Formula: Cr

Molecular Weight 51.996

1.2 Other Means of Identification

Synonyms: Chrome; Chromium Element; Chromium Metal; Metallic Chromium; Cr; 

DLA05001; RTECS GB4200000

1.3 Recommended Uses

Recommended Use: Variety of mechanical and industrial applications

1.4 Manufacturer, Importer, or Responsible Party

Responsible Party:

1.5 Emergency Phone Number

Emergency Phone Number: 

Defense Logistics Agency Strategic Materials

8725 John J. Kingman Road

Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060-6223

(571) 767-5525

(800) 424-9300 (CHEMTREC)

(703) 527-3887 (CHEMTREC INTERNATIONAL)

2.1 Classification of Chemical per OSHA CFR 1910.1200

Acute Toxicity (Oral): Category 2

Skin Irritation: Category 2

Eye Irritation: Category 2B

Skin Sensitization: Category 1A

Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Category 2

Reproductive Toxicity: Effects on or via Lactation

Target Organ Toxicity– Prolonged: Category 1 (Lungs, Kidney)

2.2 Label Elements

Signal Word: DANGER

Symbol(s):

Section 1: Identification

Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification

Chromium

Safety Data Sheet
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 2 of 9

Hazard Statements: Fatal if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes eye irritation. May cause an

allergic skin reaction. Suspected of causing genetic defects. May cause harm 

to breast-fed children. Causes damage to lungs and kidneys through 

prolonged or repeated exposure.

Precautionary Statements: Prevention: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and 

face protection. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke 

when using this product. Do not breathe dust. Contaminated clothing must not 

be allowed out of the workplace. Obtain special instructions before use. Do 

not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Avoid 

contact during pregnancy and/or while nursing. 

Response: If swallowed, immediately call a poison center and/or doctor. Rinse 

mouth. If on skin, wash with plenty of water. If skin irritation or rash occurs, 

get medical advice and/or attention. Take off contaminated clothing and wash 

it before reuse. If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. 

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye 

irritation persists, get medical advice/attention. If exposed, concerned, or 

feeling unwell, get medical advice and/or attention. 

Storage: Store locked up.

Disposal: Dispose of contents in accordance with federal, state, and local 

regulations.

2.3 Other Hazards

Negligible fire and explosion hazard in bulk form. Dust/air mixtures may ignite or explode.

2.4 Unknown Acute Toxicity

Does not apply to this product.

3.1 Chemical Name 

Chemical Name: Chromium

Composition: 99.00%-99.82% Cr

The health and physical hazards information provided in this SDS are for its major component. Chromium metal 

contains other elements in addition to Cr. For concentrations of other components, see the Certificates of Analysis for 

each lot.

3.2 Common Names/Synonyms

Synonyms: See Section 1.2 for common names and synonyms.

3.3 CAS Number/Unique Identifiers

CAS Number: 7440-47-3

EC Number (EINECS): 231-157-5

3.4 Impurities/Stabilizing Additives

No data available.

4.1 Description of First-Aid Measures

Inhalation: If adverse effects occur, remove to uncontaminated area. Give artificial 

respiration if not breathing. Get immediate medical attention.

Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove 

contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover skin burns with dry, sterile 

dressings after decontamination. Get medical attention, if needed. 

Thoroughly clean and dry contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse.

Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get immediate 

Section 3: Composition / Information on Ingredients

Section 4: First-Aid Measures
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 3 of 9

medical attention. 

Ingestion: Rinse mouth and administer water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has 

a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Get medical attention.

4.2 Most Important Symptoms/Effects, Acute and Delayed

Inhalation (Acute): Irritation.

Inhalation (Chronic): Digestive disorders and lung damage.

Skin Contact (Acute): Irritation.

Skin Contact (Chronic): Kidney damage.

Eye Contact (Acute): Irritation.

Eye Contact (Chronic): Tearing.

Ingestion (Acute): Vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness.

Ingestion (Chronic): No data available.

4.3 Indication of immediate Medical Attention/Special Treatment

Antidote: Dimercaprol, intramuscular

5.1 Suitable Extinguishing Media

Dolomite, dry powder for metal fires, dry sand, graphite, soda ash, and sodium chloride. Do not get water directly on 

material.

5.2 Specific Hazards

Negligible fire and explosion hazard in bulk form. Dust/air mixtures may ignite or explode.

5.3 Special Protective Equipment and Precautions

Respiratory protection from chromium metal and insoluble chromium salts should include a self-contained breathing 

apparatus with a full face piece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Move container from 

fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers with water spray until well after the fire is out. Stay away from 

the ends of tanks. For fires in cargo or storage area: Cool containers with water from unmanned hose holder or 

monitor nozzles until well after fire is out. If this is impossible then take the following precautions: Keep all 

unauthorized people away, isolate hazard area and deny entry. Let the fire burn. Use extinguishing agents 

appropriate for surrounding fire. Avoid inhalation of material or combustion by-products.

6.1 Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures

Notify Local Emergency Planning Committee and State Emergency Response Commission for release greater than 

or equal to RQ (U.S. SARA Section 304). If release occurs in the U.S. and is reportable under CERCLA Section 103, 

notify the National Response Center at (800)424-8802 (USA) or (202) 426-2675 (USA). Personal protective 

equipment is discussed in Section 8.3. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow 

as necessary. Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or firefighting water. If spilled in water, 

neutralize with agricultural lime, crushed limestone, or sodium bicarbonate. Adjust pH to neutral.

6.2 Methods and Materials for Containment and Clean Up

If chromium metal or insoluble chromium salts are spilled, the following steps should be taken: 

1. Remove all ignition sources where metallic chromium has been spilled. 

2. Ventilate area of spill.

3. Dampen the solid spill material with 5% ammonium hydroxide, and transfer the dampened material to a 

suitable container.

4. Deposit material and contaminated clothing in sealed containers for reclamation or for disposal in a 

secured sanitary landfill.

5. Wash all contaminated surfaces with 5% ammonium hydroxide followed by washing with a strong soap 

and water solution.

6. Do not re-enter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified 

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 4 of 9

that the area has been properly cleaned.

Liquid containing chromium metal or insoluble chromium salts should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a 

similar material.

7.1 Precautions for Safe Handling

Handle in accordance with all current regulations and standards. Utilize personal protective equipment to avoid 

contact with skin. Personal protective equipment is discussed in Section 8.3.

7.2 Conditions for Safe Storage

Store in accordance with all current regulations and standards. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry 

place. Store in a well-ventilated area. Keep separated from incompatible substances. Incompatible materials are 

identified in Section 10.5.

8.1 Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL TWA (metal): 1 mg (Cr)/m3

ACGIH TWA (metal): 0.5 mg (Cr)/m3

NIOSH REL TWA 10 hour(s) (metal): 0.5 mg (Cr)/m3

EC OEL TWA (IOELV) (metal): 2 mg/m3 

UK WEL TWA 8 hour(s) (metal): 0.5 mg/m3

8.2 Appropriate Engineering Controls

Ventilation: Provide local exhaust ventilation system. Ensure compliance with applicable 

exposure limits.

8.3 Individual Protection Measures

Eye Protection: Wear splash resistant safety goggles. Provide an emergency eye wash 

fountain and quick drench shower in the immediate area.

Clothing: Wear appropriate chemical resistant clothing.

Gloves: Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves.

Respirator:

The following respirators and maximum use concentrations are drawn from NIOSH and/or OSHA.

2.5 mg/m3: 1. Any quarter-mask respirator.

5 mg/m3: 1. Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter 

(including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask 

respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, 

R100 or P100.

2. Any supplied-air respirator.

12.5 mg/m3: 1. Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode.

2. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

25 mg/m3: 1. Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator equipped with an N100, R100, or 

P100 filter.

2. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a 

high-efficiency particulate filter.

3. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any suppliedair respirator with a full facepiece.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Section 8: Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

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250 mg/m3: 1. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece that is operated in a 

pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

Unknown Concentrations/IDLH: 1. Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is 

operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

2. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece that is operated in a 

pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an 

auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or 

other positive-pressure mode.

Escape: 1. Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator equipped with an N100, R100, or 

P100 filter. 

2. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus.

9.1 Appearance

Physical State: Solid

Physical Description: Blue-white to steel-gray, lustrous, brittle, hard, odorless solid in pig, ingot or 

tub form.

9.2 Odor

Odor: Odorless

9.3 Odor Threshold

Not available.

9.4 pH

Not applicable.

9.5 Melting / Freezing Points

Melting Point: 3,339°F-3,411°F (1,837°C-1877°C)

Freezing Point: No data available.

9.6 Boiling Point

Boiling Point: 4,842°F (2,672°C)

9.7 Flash Point

No data available. 

9.8 Evaporation Rate

Not applicable.

9.9 Flammability

Flammability: 0.230 oz/ft3

9.10 Upper/Lower Explosive Limits

No data available. 

9.11 Vapor Pressure

Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg @ 1,616°C

9.12 Vapor Density

Not applicable.

9.13 Relative Density

Water = 1: 7.20 @ 28°C

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

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9.14 Solubility(ies)

Insoluble: Water, Nitric Acid, and Aqua Regia

Soluble: Dilute Sulfuric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid

9.15 Partition Coefficient

No data available.

9.16 Auto-Ignition Temperature

No data available.

9.17 Decomposition Temperature

No data available.

9.18 Viscosity

No data available.

10.1 Reactivity

Stable at normal temperatures and pressures.

10.2 Chemical Stability

Stable at normal temperatures and pressures. Not oxidized by air, even in presence of much moisture.

10.3 Possibility of Hazardous Reactions

Alkali Carbonates: Attacked.

Alkalies (Caustic): Attacked.

Ammonium Nitrate (Fused): Violent or explosive reaction. 

Bromine Pentafluoride: Violent reaction and possible ignition. 

Hydrogen Peroxide: Violent decomposition reaction.

Lithium (Molten): Vigorous reaction at elevated temperatures. 

Nitrogen Oxide: Incandescent reaction.

Oxidizers (Strong): Fire and explosion hazard.

Potassium Chlorate (Fused): Vigorous incandescent reaction. 

Sulphur Dioxide: Incandescent reaction.

10.4 Conditions to Avoid

None reported.

10.5 Incompatible Materials

Incompatibilities: Bases, oxidizing materials, halogens, peroxides, and metals.

Reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. Safe storage of the material is discussed in Section 7.2.

10.6 Hazardous Decomposition Products

Thermal Decomposition Products: Oxides of chromium.

11.1 Likely Routes of Exposure

Routes of entry include inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. 

11.2 Symptoms

See Section 4.2 for symptoms related to the physical, chemical, and toxicological characteristics.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

Section 11: Toxicological Information
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 7 of 9

11.3 Short and Long Term Effects

Inhalation (Acute): High concentrations of dusts or fumes may cause irritation.

Inhalation (Chronic): Repeated or prolonged exposure to various chromium compounds has been 

reported to result in ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, irritation 

of the throat and lower respiratory tract, less commonly in gastrointestinal 

disturbances, blood changes, pulmonary sensitization, pulmonary 

pneurnoconiosis or fibrosis, and rarely liver effects. These effects have not 

been reported from exposure to the metal per se.

Skin Contact (Acute): Contact with dusts or powder may cause irritation.

Skin Contact (Chronic): Repeated or prolonged exposure to various chromium compounds has been 

reported to cause various types of dermatitis, including eczema, "chrome 

holes", sensitization, and, in contact with damaged skin, kidney damage. 

These effects have not been reported from exposure to the metal per se.

Eye Contact (Acute): Contact with dusts or powders may cause irritation.

Eye Contact (Chronic): Repeated or prolonged exposure to some chromium compounds may cause 

conjunctivitis and lacrimation. These effects have not been reported from 

exposure to the metal per se.

Ingestion (Acute): Chromium metal is poorly absorbed by the intestinal tract. Absorption of 

sufficient amounts of some chromium compounds may result in dizziness, 

intense thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, shock, oliguria or anuria, and 

uremia, which may be fatal.

Ingestion (Chronic): No data available.

11.4 Numerical Measures of Toxicity

Lethal Dose (LD50): 27,500 μg/kg unreported-rat 

Tumorigenic Data: 2,160 μg/kg intravenous-rat TDLo/6 week(s) intermittent; 1,200 μg/kg 

implant-rat TDLo/6 week(s) intermittent; 75 mg/kg implant-rabbit TDLo

Mutagenic Data: DNA damage - human lung 1 μmol/L

11.5 Carcinogen Status

IARC: Human Inadequate Evidence, Animal Inadequate Evidence, Group 3 (metal)

ACGIH: A4 -Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen (metal) 

12.1 Ecotoxicity

Fish Toxicity: 14,300 μg/L 96 hour(s) LC50 (Mortality) Common, mirror, colored, carp 

(Cyprinus carpio)

Invertebrate Toxicity: 2,000 μg/L 0-5 hour(s) LETH (Mortality) Copepod (Tisbe holothuriae)

Algal Toxicity: 3,000-5,000 μg/L NR hour(s) (Population Growth) Blue-green algae 

(Synechocystis aquatilis)

Phytotoxicity: 9,900 μg/L 32 week(s) EC50 (Biomass) Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum 

spicatum)

12.2 Persistence and Degradability

No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative Potential

Bioconcentration: 20-40 μg/L NR week(s) BCF (Residue) Common bay mussel, blue mussel 

(Mytilus edulis) 100 μg/L

12.4 Mobility in Soil

No data available.

12.5 Other Adverse Effects

No data available.

Section 12: Ecological Information
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 8 of 9

Hazardous Waste Number(s): D007. Dispose of in accordance with U.S. EPA 40 CFR 262 for concentrations at or 

above the regulatory level (5.0 mg/L). Dispose of in accordance with all applicable regulations.

14.1 UN Number 

UN Number: 3077

14.2 UN Proper Shipping Name

UN Proper Shipping Name: RQ Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s. (chromium)

14.3 Transport Hazard Class(es)

U.S. Department of Transportation: Hazard Class or Division 9

CA Transportation/Dangerous Goods: Hazard Class or Division 9

Land Transport ADR: Hazard Class or Division 9; Classification Code M7

Land Transport RID: Hazard Class or Division 9; Classification Code M7

Air Transport IATA: Hazard Class or Division 9

Air Transport ICAO: Hazard Class or Division 9

Maritime Transport IMDG: Hazard Class or Division 9

14.4 Packing Group

U.S. Department of Transportation: III

CA Transportation/Dangerous Goods: III

Land Transport ADR: III

Land Transport RID: III

Air Transport IATA: III

Air Transport ICAO: III

Maritime Transport IMDG: III

14.5 Environmental Hazards

No data available.

14.6 Transport in Bulk

No data available.

14.7 Special Precautions

No data available.

US Regulations

CERCLA 102A/103 (40 CFR 302.4): 5,000 LBS RQ {solid metal particles <100 μm diameter (0.004 inches)}

SARA Title III 

Section 302 (40 CFR 355.30): Not regulated.

Section 304 (40 CFR 355.40): Not regulated.

Sections 311/312 (40 CFR 370.21): Not regulated.

Section 313 (40 CFR 372.65): Yes (Chromium)

OSHA Process Safety: Not regulated. 

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

Section 14: Transport Information

Section 15: Regulatory Information
Chromium Safety Data Sheet

Format: GHS Revised: April 24, 2015

Language: English (US) Version 2

Page 9 of 9

State Regulations

California Proposition 65: Not regulated.

National Inventory Status

US Inventory (TSCA): Listed on inventory.

TSCA 12(b) Export Notification: Not listed.

The information in this Safety Data Sheet meets the requirements of the United States Department of Labor 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION and regulations promulgated thereunder (29 CFR 1910.1200 

et. seq.). This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary material handling by a person trained 

in, or supervised by a person trained in, chemical handling. Exposure to this chemical may have serious adverse health 

effects. This chemical may interact with other substances. Since the potential uses are so varied, all of the potential 

hazards of use or interaction with other chemicals or materials cannot be identified on this Safety Data Sheet. The user 

should recognize that this chemical can cause injury, especially if improperly handled, precautionary measures are not 

followed, and personal protective equipment not worn. Read and understand all precautionary information prior to use. The 

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the 

above chemical.

References:

ChemADVISOR®, Inc. Material Safety Data Sheet, Chromium. September 4, 2008. (as provided by the Defense Logistics 

Agency)

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 2013 TLVs® and BEIs®, ACGIH® Publication #0113. 2013.

US Department of Transportation. Emergency Response Guidebook. 2012

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/.

National Institute of Health, Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/

NOTE: No data available: no data for this topic found using references listed.

Date of Preparation of Updated SDS: April 24, 2015

Section 16: Other Information