Chromium

Chromium

People allergic to chromium may have asthma attacks after breathing high levels. Breathing very high levels of chromium(VI) may damage and irritate the nose, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Long term exposure to high or moderate levels of chromium(VI) can increase the risk of non-cancer lung diseases. Ingesting very large amounts of chromium can cause stomach upsets and ulcers, convulsions, kidney and liver damage, and possibly death. Skin contact with liquids or solids containing chromium(VI) may lead to skin ulcers.

Potential Sources

P2 Options

Commercial/Industrial

Wood Treatment
Chrome Plating/Metal Finishing
Hospitals
Tanneries

Wood Treatment

Chrome Plating / Metal Finishing

Hospitals

Tanneries

Chromium: P2 Options: Wood Treatment

Train employees in proper equipment and chemical handling procedures.
Use covered drip pads with liners.
Recycle solvent wastes.
Install a solvent distillation unit.
Make sure wood stock is clean prior to treatment.
Regularly inspect equipment for leaks.
Inspect storage areas daily.

[Related links][References]

Chromium: P2 Options: Chrome Plating/Metal Finishing

Train employees in proper equipment and chemical handling and procedures.
Consider replacing hazardous solvents with non-hazardous alternatives.
Install a solvent recycling system.
Schedule batch processing so wastes or residue from one batch can be used as input to the next.
Reduce dragout and spilling by reducing the speed of parts lifted from plating tanks.
Consider replacing aqueous plating with ion vapor deposition.
Consider replacing chromic acid cleaners with sulfuric acid or hydrogen peroxide.
Change copper-bright dipping from a cyanide dip and chromic acid dip to a sulfuric acid/hydrogen peroxide dip.

[Related links][References]

Chromium: P2 Options: Hospitals

Use chromium-free X-ray processor system cleaners.

[Related links][References]

Chromium: P2 Options: Tanneries

Train employees in proper equipment and chemical handling procedures.
Install an Ultrafiltration (UF) unit for the hairburn bath.
Consider replacing chromium salts with synthetic tannins.
Substitute organic acids for sulphuric pickling acids and use a low tanning float.
Recycle exhausted chrome liquor.

[References]

Chromium: References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ToxFAQs
http://atsdr1.atsdr.cdc.gov:8080/toxfaq.html

Environmental Protection Agency, Profile of the Lumber and Wood Products Industry,
http://es.epa.gov/oeca/sector/sectornote/pdf/lmbrwdsnpt2.pdf

Environmental Protection Agency, Profile of the Metal Fabrication Industry,
http://es.epa.gov/oeca/sector/sectornote/pdf/fabmetsnpt2.pdf

Monica Campbell and William Glenn, Profit from Pollution Prevention: A Guide to Industrial Waste Reduction and Recycling, Ontario, Canada.

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, YardWise: A Green Guide to Yard Care,
ftp://ftp.tnrcc.state.tx.us/pub/ExecutiveDirector/
AgencyCommunications/topdoc/gi/028.pdf

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