Chromium toxicity, local/systemic

Attempts continue to predict metal sensitivity in the individual patient so that the choice of material can be made accordingly. In vitro tests for metal allergies have been developed on the basis of lymphokine (MIF) release from sensitized T lymphocytes exposed to metal-protein complexes (11). About 6% of patients without a previous metal implant had positive reactions to nickel, chromium, or cobalt. However, it is still not clear whether such a positive reaction is a reliable predictor of clinical problems. In practice few patients have either local or systemic reactions when symptoms occur and other causes are ruled out, the implant should be removed. Some workers recommend removal of an implant whenever there is both a positive MIF test and a positive skin test, even in the current absence of a serious reaction. Allergic dermatitis will clear up as soon as the metal has begun to be cleared from the tissue. The type of metal and the amount released into the tissue will affect the time taken for the disappearance of toxic dermatological phenomena. 

Organic wastes include fecal material from humans and animals, either from municipal sewre e systems or concentrated livestock agriculture. Most water naturally has some minerals dissolved in it, which vary by locality. When higher concentrations of iron, copper, chromium, platinum, mercury, nickel, zinc, and tin are discharged into waterways because of mining or industrial operations, the concentration can be toxic to aquatic life and cause metabolic diseases or cancer in humans who drink or bathe in the... 

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