Chromium

Updated: March 8th, 2010 |

HEALTH CONCERNS
Is this chemical a carcinogen?	According to National Toxicology Program (NTP), there is sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals for the following hexavalent chromium (IV) compounds; calcium chromate chromium trioxide lead chromate strontium chromate zinc chromate
How can it affect me?	Eating food that contains chromium(III) is the main route of chromium uptake, as chromium(III) occurs naturally in many vegetables, fruits, meats, yeasts and grains. Various ways of food preparation and storage may alter the chromium contents of food. When food in stores in steel tanks or cans chromium concentrations may rise. Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart conditions, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes. But the uptake of too much chromium(III) can cause health effects as well, for instance skin rashes. Chromium(VI) is a danger to human health, mainly for people who work in the steel and textile industry. People who smoke tobacco also have a higher chance of exposure to chromium. Chromium(VI) is known to cause various health effects. When it is a compound in leather products, it can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash. After breathing it in chromium(VI) can cause nose irritations and nosebleeds. Other health problems that are caused by chromium(VI) are: Skin rashes Upset stomachs and ulcers Respiratory problems Weakened immune systems Kidney and liver damage Alteration of genetic material Lung cancer Death World Health Organization recommended maximum allowable concentration in drinking water for chromium (VI) is 0.05 milligrams per liter. Hexavalent chromium is also one of the substances whose use is restricted by the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
Are there controversial issues?	The use of chromium-containing dietary supplements is controversial due to the complex effects of the used supplements. The popular dietary supplement chromium picolinate complex generates chromosome damage in hamster cells. In the United States the dietary guidelines for daily chromium uptake were lowered from 50-200 µg for an adult to 35 µg (adult male) and to 25 µg (adult female).