Chrome pigment workers

The highest exposures occur occupationally. The National Occupational Hazard Survey conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health from 1972 through 1974 concluded that some 2.5 million workers could be exposed to chromium and its compounds in the workplace. The National Occupational Exposure Survey conducted a decade later from 1981 through 1983 estimated a total of almost 200 000 workers were exposed to hexavalent chromium compounds (barium chromate, calcium chromate, chromium trioxide, lead chromate, strontium chromate, and zinc chromate). Occupational exposure occurs primarily from stainless steel production and welding, chromate production, chrome plating, ferrochrome alloys, chrome pigment and tanning industries. 

Hexavalent chromium compounds are classified as substances known to be carcinogenic to humans. This is based upon sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans exposed in chrome production facilities, chromium-alloy facilities, in the chrome plating industry as well as in chrome pigment industries. This exposure results in an increased incidence of lung cancer among these workers. The incidence of cancers at other sites may be increased in these occupational workers There is not sufficient evidence to show that barium chromate, calcium chromate, chromium trioxide, lead chromate, sodium dichromate and strontium chromate are carcinogenic in humans. 

Studies of chromate production workers, who are exposed to a variety of chromium compounds both hexavalent and trivalent, and chromate pigment industries, where exposure is mainly to chromium(VI), have consistently demonstrated an association with respiratory system cancer. Studies in chrome platers, who are exposed to chromium(VI) and other agents, including nickel, generally support the conclusion that certain chromium(VI) compounds are carcinogenic. Studies in stainless steel welders exposed to chromium(VI) and other chemicals, and in ferrochromium alloy workers, who are exposed mainly to chromium(O) and chromium(III), but also to some chromium(VI), were inconclusive. Studies in leather tanners, who are exposed to chromium(III), were consistently negative. 

Decaestecker AM, Marez T, Jdaini J, et al. (1990) Hypersensitivity to dichromate among asymptomatic workers in a chromate pigment factory. Contact Dermatitis 23 52-53 Dornan JD (1981) Occupational dermatoses amongst chrome platers in the Sheffield area 1977-80. Contact Dermatitis... 

Occupational diseases due to lead have been known among miners and smelters, foundry and storage battery workers, potters, and paint sprayers. Lead-containing pigments were widely used in paints white lead (lead oxide/carbonate), chrome... 

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