

Mean or median total chromium concentrations from rivers and streams in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec were found to be between 4 – 7 µg/L, with 10 – 60% of the chromium as chromium. Total chromium in Canadian drinking water is typically less than 5 µg/L.

Surface water is contaminated with chromium in many parts of Canada. Chromium is commonly found in indoor and outdoor air, soil, surface water, and groundwater. However, most chromium detected in the environment is released from anthropogenic sources. Trace amounts of chromium occur naturally in unpolluted environments. Total of the pure element and the equivalent weight of the element contained in any compound, alloy or mixture. Reportable to NPRI if manufactured, processed, or otherwise used at quantities greater than 50 kg. National Classification System for Contaminated SitesĭSL – low priority substance (already risk managed)*Įnvironment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory TSP = total suspended particulate Canadian agencies/organizations Agency PM 10 = particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter **Chromium compounds (hexavalent forms) – Applies to pure Cr species or to the percentage of Cr species relative to total chromium air, water) that are protective against adverse health, environmental, or aesthetic (e.g. *Standards are legislated and legally enforceable, while guidelines (including Ontario ambient air quality criteria) describe concentrations of contaminants in the environment (e.g. Ontario’s Air Pollution – Local Air Quality RegulationĪnnual standard: 0.00014 µg/m 3 (hexavalent chromium)ġ year limit: 0.004 µg/m 3 (total chromium) TLV = threshold limit value Canadian environmental guidelines and standards* Jurisdictionĭrinking Water Guidelines (Canada, BC, MB) and Standards (ON, QC, SK)īC’s Contaminated Sites Regulation, BC Reg 375/96ĭrinking water standard: 50 μg/L (hexavalent chromium) maximum)Įm = exposure must be reduced to the minimumĪCGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Meterstel = short term exposure limit (15 min. Regulations and Guidelines Occupational exposure limits (OEL) Canadian JurisdictionsĠ.0001 ppm 0.00025 ppm

Hexalavent chromium uses skin#
Dermal exposure to chromium may also cause allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. This profile will focus on chromium, since it is the known cancer-causing form of chromium.Īcute inhalation exposure to hexavalent chromium may irritate and damage the nose, throat, and lungs. Compounds of chromium and metallic chromium were classified as Group 3, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. Several epidemiological studies have also found increased risks of cancer in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in workers exposed to chromium, and sinonasal cancer among workers engaged in chromate production, chromate pigment production, and chromium plating. Hexavalent chromium has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans, with a well established link to lung cancer. A number of other hexavalent compounds exist refer to Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) for more information. Common chromium chemicals include potassium chromate and dichromate, sodium chromate and dichromate, lead chromate, calcium chromate, and chromium trioxide. Chromium compounds are most often products of industrial processes. It has a number of different valence states, but typically occurs in its trivalent (chromium ) and hexavalent (chromium ) forms. Chromium is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust.
