Chromium toxicity

Chromium toxicity
Chromium
Classification and external resources
Specialty	emergency medicine
ICD-10	T56.2
ICD-9-CM	985.6
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Chromium toxicity refers to the fact that chromium is toxic.

Water-insoluble chromium(III) compounds and chromium metal are not considered a health hazard, while the toxicity and carcinogenic properties of chromium(VI) have been known for a long time. An investigation into hexavalent chromium release into drinking water was the basis of the true story of Erin Brockovich, dramatised as Erin Brockovich (film).

Because of the specific transport mechanisms, only limited amounts of chromium(III) enter the cells. Several in vitro studies indicated that high concentrations of chromium(III) in the cell can lead to DNA damage. Acute oral toxicity ranges between 1900 and 3300 µg/kg. The proposed beneficial effects of chromium(III) and its use in dietary supplements yielded some controversial results, but recent reviews suggest that moderate uptake of chromium(III) through dietary supplements poses no risk.

The World Health Organization-recommended maximum allowable concentration in drinking water for chromium (VI) is 0.05 milligrams per litre. Hexavalent chromium is also one of the substances whose use is restricted by the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.

The LD50 for chromium(VI) ranges between 50 and 150 mg/kg. In the body, chromium(VI) is reduced by several mechanisms to chromium(III) already in the blood before it enters the cells. The chromium(III) is excreted from the body, whereas the chromate ion is transferred into the cell by a transport mechanism, one by which sulfate and phosphate ions also enter the cell. The acute toxicity of chromium(VI) is due to its strong oxidative properties. After it reaches the bloodstream, it damages blood cells by oxidation reactions. Hemolysis, and subsequently kidney and liver failure, are the results of this damage. Aggressive dialysis can improve the situation.

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