Chromium is an element existing in several different forms.
Metallic chromium is mined for use in steel and other metal products.
Many chromium-containing compounds are used for plating, manufacturing paints and dyes, tanning leather and preserving wood. The normal intake from eating foods that are high in natural chromium is 70-80 micrograms per day and is considered safe. It is the most toxic form of chromium, and is shown to cause lung cancer when workers are exposed to high air levels for long time periods. People can be exposed to chromium by breathing chromium dust or fumes. This is the route of exposure that is of greatest concern.