Hexavalent Chromium- Info from Chromium Attorneys 

Chromium comes in several forms. It can be a natural occuring metal and even an essential nutrient in small quantities. However, Hexavalent Chromium is a deadly cancer causing toxin found in industrial waste. If you or a loved one has been injured by Hexavalent Chromium posioning or Trivalent Chromium Poisoning, this is information you need. Call your doctor immediately, then contact your experienced Chromium attorney at Weitz & Luxenberg for a FREE case evaluation.

The Basics about Chromium

Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and in volcanic dust and gases. Chromium is present in the environment in several different forms. The most common forms are chromium(0), trivalent (or chromium(III)), and hexavalent (or chromium(VI)). Chromium(III) occurs naturally in the environment and is an essential nutrient required by the human body to promote the action of insulin in body tissues so that sugar, protein, and fat can be used by the body, though it may still be cancer causing in large doses. Chromium(VI) and chromium(0) are generally produced by industrial processes. No known taste or odor is associated with chromium compounds. The metal chromium, which is the chromium(0) form, is a steel-gray solid with a high melting point. It is used mainly for making steel and other alloys. The naturally occurring mineral chromite in the chromium(III) form is used as brick lining for high-temperature industrial furnaces, for making metals and alloys (mixtures of metals), and chemical compounds. Chromium compounds, mostly in chromium(III) or chromium(VI) forms, produced by the chemical industry are used for chrome plating, the manufacture of dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. Smaller amounts are used in drilling muds, rust and corrosion inhibitors, textiles, and toner for copying machines.

Chromium in your backyard

Chromium enters the air, water, and soil mostly in the chromium(III) and chromium(VI) forms as a result of natural processes and human activities. Emissions from burning coal and oil, and steel production can increase chromium(III) levels in air. Stainless steel welding, chemical manufacturing, and use of compounds containing chromium(VI) can increase chromium(VI) levels in air. Waste streams from electroplating can discharge chromium(VI). Leather tanning and textile industries as well as those that make dyes and pigments can discharge both chromium(III) and chromium(VI) into waterways. The levels of both chromium(III) and chromium(VI) in soil increase mainly from disposal of commercial products containing chromium, chromium waste from industry, and coal ash from electric utilities.

In air, chromium compounds are present mostly as fine dust particles. This dust eventually settles over land and water. Rain and snow help remove chromium from air. Chromium compounds will usually remain in the air for fewer than 10 days. Although most of the chromium in water binds to dirt and other materials and settles to the bottom, a small amount may dissolve in the water. Fish do not accumulate much chromium in their bodies from water. Most of the chromium in soil does not dissolve easily in water and can attach strongly to the soil. A very small amount of the chromium in soil, however, will dissolve in water and can move deeper in the soil to underground water. The movement of chromium in soil depends on the type and condition of the soil and other environmental factors.

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