Common Name: Chromium (VI) Oxide CAS Number: 1333-82-0 DOT Number: NA 1463 Date: September 15, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chromium (VI) Oxide can affect you when breathed in. It can also enter the body through the skin. * Chromium (VI) Oxide is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision. * Breathing Chromium (VI) Oxide can cause a sore or hole through the inner nose (septum), sometime 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide is a red odorless powder. It is used in chrome plating, aluminum anodizing, dye, ink and paint manufacturing, tanning, engraving and photography. REASON FOR CITATION * Chromium (VI) Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, IARC, NTP, CAG, NFPA and NIOSH. * 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 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.025 mg/m3, which should not be exceeded at any time. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.050 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * Chromium (VI) Oxide 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. * 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. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chromium (VI) Oxide is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide: * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chromium (VI) Oxide is handled, used, or stored. * Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision. * Skin contact may cause irritation, and can cause skin burns with Chromium (VI) Oxide in a concentrated solution. * unless skin contact is quickly stopped, Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 * There is limited evidence that Chromium (VI) Oxide is a teratogen in animals. until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long-Term Effects * Chromium (VI) Oxide 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. * Upset stomach and sometimes stomach ulcers can occur. * Exposure may cause irritation of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) with cough and phlegm. * Lung allergy, with wheezing or shortness of breath, sometimes occurs. In such cases, even small future exposures can cause symptoms. Repeated attacks may lead to lung scarring. * Repeated or severe exposure may cause liver or kidney damage, growths (polyps) on the voice box, or changes in the blood count. 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, lungs, and voice box. 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 bumps or blisters, the first sign of "chrome ulcers". If not treated early, these can last for years after exposure. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide. 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 pump liquid Chromium (VI) Oxide 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: Occupational Exposure to 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide. * 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Chromium (VI) Oxide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chromium (VI) Oxide 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide. Wear acid- resistant 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. * AIHA recommends Polyvinyl Chloride for solutions of Chromium (VI) Oxide in water as a protective material. 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Chromium (VI) Oxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chromium (VI) Oxide must be stored to avoid contact with REDUCING AGENTS and ORGANIC CHEMICALS since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from FUELS and OTHER FLAMMABLE and COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. * Do not store Chromium (VI) Oxide on wood floors, because prolonged contact with wood can produce a fire hazard. * Protect from excess moisture to minimize rusting of containers. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chromium (VI) Oxide is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Chromium (vi) Oxide DOT Number: NA 1463 DOT Emergency Guide code: 42 CAS Number: 1333-82-0 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN OXIDIZER POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Chromium (VI) Oxide itself does not burn but it will increase the intensity of a fire since it is an oxidizer. * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * POISONOUS GAS IS 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 Chromium (VI) Oxide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Chromium (VI) Oxide out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chromium (VI) Oxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact the NJ 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. ========================================== 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 * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Chromium (VI) Oxide (1:3) Other Names and Formulations: Chromic Anhydride; Chromic Acid; Chromic Trioxide; Monochromium Oxide. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ 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.