Chromium exists in trivalent and hexavalent states, with the hexavalent state being irritating, corrosive, and carcinogenic. Trivalent chromium is less toxic because it is poorly absorbed by the skin, lungs, and gut and is rapidly excreted from the body within 15-41 hours. Hexavalent chromium can cause numerous health issues through skin contact and inhalation including dermatitis, asthma, ulcers, nasal septum perforation, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and renal damage. In large concentrations, it may also cause coughing, wheezing, breathing pain, fever, weight loss, and pulmonary edema.

1. Chromium:-
Properties:- Hard Silvery White metal. It is found in trivalent & Hexavalent State.
1) Trivalent:- Non Toxic, e.g. Chromium Oxide, Chromium Sulphate
2) Hexavalent:- Irritant, Corrosive, Carcinogenic e.g. a) Hexavalent Chromium:- Through all 3
Routes a) Lungs b) Gut c) Skin:- But poorly absorbed by skin.
Why Trivalent is less Toxic ? :- Absorption is very poor
It is rapidly excreted through urine, with biological ½ life of 15 to 41 hours.
Toxicity:- 1) Contact Dermatitis:- It acts as a Sensitizer
2) Occupational Asthema
3) Chrome Ulcers or chrome holes:- Notifiable Occupational Disease. Ulcers are
circular, well demarcated lesions, which look as if they have been punched out
of the skin. They are only slightly painful & tend to heal spontaneously, but may
be troublesome if secondarily infected. They can however be treated
adequately with 10% solution of Calcium EDTAte
4) Perforation of Nasal Cartilaginous Septum
5) Chronic Rhinitis
6) Chronic Bronchitis
7) Conjunctivitis
8) Keratitis
9) Ulcerations in the eyelids
10) Inhalation of Large Concentration may cause :- a) Cough b) Wheezing
c) Inspiratory Pain d) Fever e) Loss of Weight f) Pulmonary Oedema
11) Renal Damage
12) Lung Carcinoma