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Chromium
Chromium is a naturally occurring element that exists in rocks, animals, plants, and soil. Although chromium (III) is an essential nutrient that helps our body use sugar, protein and fat, the type of chromium most often used as a pesticide is Chromium (VI), which is much more toxic. Chromium (VI) is used as a pesticide to preserve wood. Chromium compounds can be deposited onto soil and water from airborne particles. Chromium in the environment can easily change from one form to another. Chromium (VI) compounds are known to cause cancer in humans who eat or breathe enough of the compound.
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Additional Resources on Chromium:
- Chromium (VI) (Hexavalent Chromium) - Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- Public Health Statement: Chromium - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- ToxFAQs for Chromium - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Toxicological Profile: Chromium - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Chromium Toxicity - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Standards and Regulations for Chromium Exposure - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Chromium Compounds - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Toxics Web Site
- Basic Information about Chromium in Drinking Water - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- IRIS Toxicological Review of Hexavalent Chromium - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Chromium Hexavalent Compounds- National Toxicology Program
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