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'''Chromium Toxicity'''
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
Chromium toxicity refers to the harmful effects on the body caused by excessive exposure to chromium compounds. Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in various environmental media such as air, water, and soil. It exists in several oxidation states, but the most common and stable forms are trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). While Cr(III) is an essential nutrient in small amounts, beneficial for glucose, fat, and protein metabolism, Cr(VI) is highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans.
| name            = Chromium toxicity
 
| image          = [[File:Cr-TableImage.svg|200px]]
==Sources of Exposure==
| caption        = Chromium on the periodic table
 
| field          = [[Toxicology]]
Individuals can be exposed to chromium through different pathways including occupational exposure, contaminated food and water intake, and inhalation of polluted air. Occupational exposure is the most common route, particularly in industries involved in stainless steel welding, chrome plating, and the manufacturing of chromate-containing paints and coatings. Environmental exposure to Cr(VI) can occur near hazardous waste sites and areas with contaminated soil and groundwater.
| symptoms        = [[Dermatitis]], [[ulceration]], [[respiratory problems]], [[kidney damage]], [[liver damage]]
 
| complications  = [[Cancer]], [[allergic reactions]]
==Mechanism of Toxicity==
| onset          = Varies depending on exposure level
 
| duration        = Chronic or acute
The toxicity of chromium compounds is primarily due to Cr(VI), which can easily penetrate biological membranes due to its anionic nature. Once inside the cell, Cr(VI) is reduced to Cr(III), generating reactive intermediates such as Cr(V) and Cr(IV), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). These intermediates and ROS can cause cellular damage, including DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein modification, leading to various health effects.
| causes          = Exposure to [[hexavalent chromium]] compounds
 
| risks          = Occupational exposure, environmental contamination
==Health Effects==
| diagnosis      = [[Blood test]], [[urine test]], [[biopsy]]
 
| differential    = [[Heavy metal poisoning]], [[allergic contact dermatitis]]
===Acute Toxicity===
| prevention      = Use of protective equipment, environmental regulations
Acute exposure to high levels of chromium (VI) can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Inhalation of Cr(VI) compounds can lead to nasal irritation, nasal ulcers, and perforation of the nasal septum. Dermal exposure can result in skin ulcers, commonly known as "chrome ulcers," and allergic contact dermatitis.
| treatment      = Removal from exposure, [[chelating agents]], supportive care
 
| prognosis      = Depends on level and duration of exposure
===Chronic Toxicity===
| frequency      = More common in industrial settings
Long-term exposure to Cr(VI) is associated with increased risk of lung cancer, and can also damage the liver, kidney, and immune system. Chronic inhalation exposure has been linked to respiratory tract cancers, including lung cancer. Ingestion of Cr(VI)-contaminated water has been associated with stomach tumors in animals and is suspected to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in humans.
}}
 
== Chromium Toxicity ==
==Diagnosis and Treatment==
[[File:Cr-TableImage.svg|left|thumb|Chromium on the periodic table]]
 
'''Chromium toxicity''' refers to the harmful effects of chromium compounds on living organisms. Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is found in several oxidation states, but the most common are chromium(0), chromium(III), and chromium(VI). Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient in trace amounts, while chromium(VI) is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
Diagnosis of chromium toxicity involves a detailed history of exposure, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Biomarkers of exposure include measuring chromium levels in blood, urine, and hair. Treatment is primarily supportive and includes removal from exposure, respiratory support for those with inhalation exposure, and skin decontamination for dermal exposure. In cases of severe systemic toxicity, chelation therapy with agents such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) may be considered.
== Forms of Chromium ==
 
Chromium exists in several forms, but the most biologically significant are:
==Prevention==
* '''Chromium(0)''': The metallic form, used in industrial applications such as stainless steel production.
 
* '''Chromium(III)''': Also known as trivalent chromium, it is an essential nutrient that helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
Preventing chromium toxicity involves controlling exposure through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper industrial hygiene practices, and environmental regulations limiting chromium emissions into the environment. Public health measures include monitoring and remediation of contaminated water supplies and soil.
* '''Chromium(VI)''': Also known as hexavalent chromium, it is a potent oxidizing agent and is highly toxic.
 
== Sources of Exposure ==
Exposure to chromium can occur through various routes:
* '''Occupational exposure''': Workers in industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, and stainless steel production are at risk of exposure to chromium compounds.
* '''Environmental exposure''': Chromium can be released into the environment through industrial waste, leading to contamination of air, water, and soil.
* '''Dietary exposure''': Chromium(III) is present in foods such as broccoli, liver, and whole grains, but chromium(VI) is not typically found in food.
== Health Effects ==
The health effects of chromium exposure depend on the form and route of exposure:
* '''Chromium(III)''': Generally considered safe and necessary in small amounts, but excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.
* '''Chromium(VI)''': Known to cause skin irritation, ulceration, and allergic reactions. Inhalation can lead to respiratory problems, lung cancer, and other serious health issues.
== Mechanism of Toxicity ==
Chromium(VI) compounds are highly soluble and can easily penetrate biological membranes. Once inside the cell, they are reduced to chromium(III), which can bind to cellular components, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage. This mechanism is responsible for the carcinogenic potential of chromium(VI).
== Prevention and Treatment ==
Preventive measures include:
* '''Regulation and monitoring''': Implementing strict industrial regulations to limit chromium emissions and exposure.
* '''Personal protective equipment (PPE)''': Use of gloves, masks, and protective clothing in occupational settings.
Treatment of chromium toxicity involves:
* '''Chelation therapy''': Use of agents like EDTA to bind and remove chromium from the body.
* '''Supportive care''': Managing symptoms and providing supportive treatment for affected individuals.
== See also ==
* [[Chromium]]
* [[Heavy metal toxicity]]
* [[Occupational safety and health]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
[[Category:Occupational safety and health]]
[[Category:Environmental health]]
[[Category:Chromium]]
[[Category:Chromium]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 01:50, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Chromium toxicity
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Dermatitis, ulceration, respiratory problems, kidney damage, liver damage
Complications Cancer, allergic reactions
Onset Varies depending on exposure level
Duration Chronic or acute
Types N/A
Causes Exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds
Risks Occupational exposure, environmental contamination
Diagnosis Blood test, urine test, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Heavy metal poisoning, allergic contact dermatitis
Prevention Use of protective equipment, environmental regulations
Treatment Removal from exposure, chelating agents, supportive care
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on level and duration of exposure
Frequency More common in industrial settings
Deaths N/A


Chromium Toxicity[edit]

Chromium on the periodic table

Chromium toxicity refers to the harmful effects of chromium compounds on living organisms. Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is found in several oxidation states, but the most common are chromium(0), chromium(III), and chromium(VI). Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient in trace amounts, while chromium(VI) is highly toxic and carcinogenic.

Forms of Chromium[edit]

Chromium exists in several forms, but the most biologically significant are:

  • Chromium(0): The metallic form, used in industrial applications such as stainless steel production.
  • Chromium(III): Also known as trivalent chromium, it is an essential nutrient that helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
  • Chromium(VI): Also known as hexavalent chromium, it is a potent oxidizing agent and is highly toxic.

Sources of Exposure[edit]

Exposure to chromium can occur through various routes:

  • Occupational exposure: Workers in industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, and stainless steel production are at risk of exposure to chromium compounds.
  • Environmental exposure: Chromium can be released into the environment through industrial waste, leading to contamination of air, water, and soil.
  • Dietary exposure: Chromium(III) is present in foods such as broccoli, liver, and whole grains, but chromium(VI) is not typically found in food.

Health Effects[edit]

The health effects of chromium exposure depend on the form and route of exposure:

  • Chromium(III): Generally considered safe and necessary in small amounts, but excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.
  • Chromium(VI): Known to cause skin irritation, ulceration, and allergic reactions. Inhalation can lead to respiratory problems, lung cancer, and other serious health issues.

Mechanism of Toxicity[edit]

Chromium(VI) compounds are highly soluble and can easily penetrate biological membranes. Once inside the cell, they are reduced to chromium(III), which can bind to cellular components, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage. This mechanism is responsible for the carcinogenic potential of chromium(VI).

Prevention and Treatment[edit]

Preventive measures include:

  • Regulation and monitoring: Implementing strict industrial regulations to limit chromium emissions and exposure.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Use of gloves, masks, and protective clothing in occupational settings.

Treatment of chromium toxicity involves:

  • Chelation therapy: Use of agents like EDTA to bind and remove chromium from the body.
  • Supportive care: Managing symptoms and providing supportive treatment for affected individuals.

See also[edit]

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