CASE STUDY #1

Sources of Hexavalent Chromium

Common sources of the toxic hexavalent chromium are fume from welding stainless steel and nonferrous chromium alloys; chromates in paints, primers, and other surface coatings; chrome plating using a solution of chromic acid; chromate pigments in dyes, inks, paints, and plastics; and impurities in portland cement.

Physical Harm From Hexavalent Chromium

Exposures in the workplace to hexavalent chromium can lead to lung cancer through inhalation, damage to the nose, throat, and the respiratory tract by inhalation at high levels, and damage to the eyes and skin from frequent high concentration exposures. Symptoms of harm include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itching, and a burning sensation. Nose sores and nosebleeds are exhibited as exposure continues, often leading to a perforated nasal septum. Allergic reactions to inhalation of hexavalent chromium cause asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as contact skin dermatitis from handling liquids or solids without the proper PPE being worn. Once skin is damaged, further contact can lead to skin ulcers.

How To Protect Employees From Exposures

OSHA’s requirements within the new hexavalent chromium standard include the following:

• Limit eight-hour time-weighted average exposure to 5 micrograms or less per cubic meter of air;
• Perform periodic monitoring at least every 6 months if initial monitoring shows employee exposure at or above the action level of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average;
• Provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment when there is likely to be a hazard present from skin or eye contact;
• Implement good personal hygiene and housekeeping practices;
• Prohibit employee rotation as a method to achieve compliance with the exposure limit;
• Provide respiratory protection as specified in the standard;
• Make medical examinations available to employees within 30 days of initial assignment, annually, to those exposed in an emergency situation, to those with signs or symptoms of adverse health effects, to those who are or may be exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year, and at termination of employment.

Contact CTI if you need assistance in determining where your facility is in regard to the time-weighted hexavalent chromium action and employee exposure levels.