Key Points

Fire

• Some chromate (VI) compounds are flammable or may cause fire on contact with combustible material
• Chromate (VI) salts are powerful oxidisers and some chromium (VI) compounds are corrosive
• Some chromate and chromium (III) compounds emit toxic fumes when heated
• In the event of a fire involving chromium, use coarse water spray and normal protective clothing with breathing apparatus

Health

• Chromium (VI) trioxide, chromates and dichromates are highly toxic by all exposure routes
• Chromium (VI) compounds are toxic and can cause cancer in humans
• Chromium (VI) trioxide and chromates are corrosive and oxidising
• Ingestion of chromium (VI) chromate/dichromate compounds may cause immediate burning of the mouth and throat. severe damage to the gut, heart, liver and kidneys, and possibly death
• Short-term inhalation of chromium (VI) chromate/dichromate dust or mist cause irritation of the respiratory tract and lung damage
• Long-term inhalation of chromium (III) salts causes swelling of the airways and lungs
• Long-term inhalation of chromium (VI) may cause ulcers in the nose, irritation of the lungs, lung cancer and possible kidney effects
• Skin exposure can result in skin ulcers if left untreated  
• Chromium (VI) compounds can cause cancer in humans. It is unknown if chromium (III) can cause cancer
• Potassium dichromate may be toxic to the reproductive system and the unborn child

Environment

• Dangerous for the Environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial release incidents
  

 

All sections are available to download in PDF format below:

• Chromium - Full Document (PDF, 200 KB)
• General Information (PDF, 46 KB)
• Incident Management (PDF, 84 KB)
• Toxicological Overview (PDF, 102 KB)