Blue white metal
Essential in glucose and fat metabolism
The predominant forms are trivalent (Cr3+) and hexavalent (Cr6+)
Cr6+ is a carcinogen
Uses
Chrome platting
Component of making stainless steel
Used to make cement
Welding
Joint arthroplasty
Coronary artery stents
Tanned leather products
Chrome platting
Component of making stainless steel
Used to make cement
Welding
Joint arthroplasty
Coronary artery stents
Tanned leather products
Rarely develops toxicity
Limited oral absorption with 98% recovered in feces
Urinary excretion
Main cause of toxicity
Oxidative agent producing oxidative DNA damage
Modestly absorbed
10% orally
50-85% inhalational
10% orally
50-85% inhalational
50% total body burden is localized to the kidney and liver
With additional stores in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and testes
With additional stores in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and testes
Cr6+ is rapidly converted to Cr3+ in the blood
Chromium toxicity
Aluminum toxicity
Chlorate toxicity
Antimony toxicity
Salicylate toxicity
Arsenic toxicity
Organophosphate toxicity
Barium toxicity