Chromium Hexavalent Compound

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A highly corrosive, inorganic substance that contains the metallic element chromium in its positive-6 valence state. Chromium hexavalent compounds are used in stainless steel production, in chrome plating, in the manufacture of dyes and pigments, in leather tanning, in wood preservation and are used as corrosion inhibitors. Inhalation exposure of these compounds mainly affects the respiratory tract causing shortness of breath, nasal itching, asthma, coughing, bronchitis and pneumonia, but can also affect the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. Chromium hexavalent compounds are carcinogenic in humans and are associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer and cancer of the sinonasal cavity. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - Chromium Hexavalent (VI) Compounds - Chromium compounds