Common Name: Potassium Chromate CAS Number: 7789-00-6 DOT Number: NA 9142 Date: August, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Potassium Chromate can affect you when breathed in. It can also pass into inner layers of the skin. * Potassium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN-HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision. * Breathing Potassium Chromate can cause a sore or hole through the inner nose (septum), sometimes with bleeding, discharge or crusting. Irritation of nose, throat and bronchial tubes can also occur, with cough and/or wheezing. * Skin contact can cause deep ulcers, or an allergic skin rash. Severe skin irritation may also occur. IDENTIFICATION Potassium Chromate is a yellow crystal-line (sugar or sand-like) material which can be used in solution. It is used to make dyes, pigments, inks and enamels. REASON FOR CITATION * Potassium Chromate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH and IARC. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ----------------------------------------- WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 mg/m3, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.025 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift and 0.050 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Potassium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Potassium Chromate is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Potassium Chromate and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Potassium Chromate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Potassium Chromate: * Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision. * Skin contact may cause irritation, and can cause skin burns with Potassium Chromate in a concentrated solution. * Unless skin contact is quickly stopped, Potassium Chromate can enter the body through the affected skin areas. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Potassium Chromate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Potassium Chromate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause lung and throat cancer. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Potassium Chromate has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Potassium Chromate can cause a hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose. Early signs may occur of irritation, discharge, bleeding and/or formation of a crust in the inner nose. * Exposed persons may develop a skin allergy, with a rash like eczema. If this happens, any future skin contact can trigger severe rash. * Exposure may cause irritation of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) with cough and phlegm. * Lung allergy, with wheezing or shortness of breath after exposure, sometimes occurs. In such cases, even small future exposure can cause symptoms. * Repeated or severe exposure may cause kidney damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing * Before first exposure and every 6-12 months, a medical history and exam is recommended, with very careful attention to the nose, skin and lungs. * Tests for kidney or lung function should be considered. * If you notice skin, nose or lung effects seek prompt medical attention. * Also check your skin daily for little burns or blisters, the first sign of "Chrome ulcers". If not treated early, these can last for years after exposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure * Persons with any cuts or scratches on their hands or other skin surfaces are at increased risk of developing ulcers on skin contact. Work practices, protective clothing or removal from exposure is essential to prevent serious ulcers. * Persons with a history of skin allergy to Chromium compounds can have a severe rash with skin exposure to Potassium Chromate. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Potassium Chromate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Chromium VI #76-129. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Potassium Chromate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Potassium Chromate. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Potassium Chromate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Potassium Chromate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Potassium Chromate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Potassium Chromate. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Potassium Chromate DOT Number: NA 9142 DOT Emergency Guide code: CAS Number: 7789-00-6 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - Not Rated REACTIVITY - Not Rated ----------------------------------------- MAY BURN POWERFUL OXIDIZER CARCINOGEN --------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Potassium Chromate may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Potassium Chromate is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Potassium Chromate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Potassium Chromate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Potassium Chromate must be stored to avoid contact with COMBUSTIBLE, ORGANIC, or other easily oxidized materials (such as PAPER, WOOD, SULFUR, ALUMINUM, HYDRAZINE and PLASTICS) since violent reactions occur. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Potassium Chromate is handled, used, or stored. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Breathing * Persons with wheezing or shortness of breath should have prompt medical attention. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Chromic Acid (H2CrO4), Dipotassium Salt ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Chromium is a steel-gray lustrous metal used to make chrome-steel or stainless steel, and for chrome-plating of other metals. Chromium exists mainly in the 3+ (III) or 6+ (VI) oxidation states in natural bodies of water, and each form can be converted to the other form under appropriate environmental conditions. Chromium may enter the environment in effluents from metal plating industries or in municipal waste treatment plant discharges. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Chromium is more toxic in soft water than in hard water. Chromium (VI) has high acute toxicity to aquatic life, and chromium (III) has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of chromium to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Chromium (III) and chromium (VI) both have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of chromium to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Water solubility of chromium and its salts ranges from low to high. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Chromium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of chromium found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of chromium in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.