If chromate cannot dissociate from a primer paint particle, the particle may be cleared from the upper regions of the lung before chromate release can occur. United States Air Force aircraft require a protective coating to prevent corrosion.
Strontium chromate is an essential component in the primer paint to provide corrosion control.
Occupational exposure limits to chromate are based on animal and epidemiological studies, which demonstrate that chromate is carcinogenic. If chromate cannot dissociate from a primer paint particle, the particle may be cleared from the upper regions of the lung before chromate release can occur. At the end of each residence time, portions of the sample were filtered using a 2 um Teflon filter. Chromate ions remaining in solution would pass through the filter while paint particles were left behind. Samples that were filtered represent chromate dissociated from the paint particles.