Hexavalent chromium is one of the valence states of the element chromium. It is usually produced by an industrial process. Pigments in Plastics, Dyes, Paints inks Chromium metal is added to alloy steel to increase hardenability and corrosion resistance. A major source of worker exposure to Cr(VI) occurs during “hot work” such as welding on stainless steel and other alloy steels containing chromium metal. Some major industrial sources of hexavalent chromium are

• chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics
• chromates added as anti-corrosive agents to paints, primers and other surface coatings
• chrome plating by depositing chromium metal onto an item’s surface using a solution of chromic acid
• particles released during smelting of ferrochromium ore
• fume from welding stainless steel or nonferrous chromium alloys
• impurity present in portland cement.

Employees can inhale airborne hexavalent chromium as a dust, fume or mist while:

• producing chromate pigments and powders; chromic acid; chromium catalysts, dyes, and coatings • working near chrome electroplating
• welding and hot working stainless steel, high chrome alloys and chrome-coated metal
• applying and removing chromate-containing paints and other surface coatings.How hexavalent chromium affects the nose, throat and lungs breathing in high levels of hexavalent chromium can cause irritation to the nose and throat.