Teratogenicity chromium

Reproductive Toxicity. No data are available that impHcate either hexavalent or trivalent chromium compounds as reproductive toxins, unless exposure is by way of injection. The observed teratogenic effects of sodium dichromate(VI), chromic acid, and chromium (HI) chloride, adininistered by injection, as measured by dose-response relationships are close to the amount that would be lethal to the embryo, a common trait of many compounds (111). Reported teratogenic studies on hamsters (117,118), the mouse (119—121), and rabbits (122) have shown increased incidence of cleft palate, no effect, and testicular degeneration, respectively. Although the exposures for these experiments were provided by injections, in the final study (122) oral, inhalation, and dermal routes were also tried, and no testicular degeneration was found by these paths. 

Under laboratory conditions, chromium is mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic to a wide variety of organisms, and Cr 6 has the greatest biological activity. However, information is lacking... 

At high environmental concentrations, chromium is a mutagen, teratogen, and carcinogen... 

Kanojia RK, Junaid M, Murthy RC. 1996. Chromium induced teratogenicity in female rat. Toxicol Lett 89 207-213. 

OSHA PEL CL 0.1 mg(Cr03)/m3 ACGIH TLV TWA 0.05 mg(Cr03)/m3 NIOSH REL TWA (Chromium( T)) 0.025 mg(Cr(Vl))/m3 CL 0.05/15M SAFETY PROFILE Human poison by ingestion. An experimental poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes. Human mutation data reported. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. 

The hexavalent form of chromium is a potent teratogen, primarily affecting bone formation. However, trivalent chromium was not found to be teratogenic. Animal studies also show an increase in the risk of cancer after exposure to chromium(VI) compounds. 

There are no reports documenting excess chromium as a teratogen in the human fetus. 

Abbasi SA, Soni R (1984) Teratogenic effects of chromium(VI) in the environment as evidenced by the impact of larvae of amphibian Rand tigrina Implications in the environmental management of chromium. Int J Environ Studies 23 131-137... 

Blasiak, ]., A. Trzeciak, E. Malecka-Panas, et al. 1999. DNA damage and repair in human lymphocytes and gastric mucosa cells exposed to chromium and curcumin. Teratogen. Carcinogen. Mutagen. 19(1) 19-31. 

Occupational exposure to chromium(VI) compounds has been related to an increased risk of lung cancer. Several hexavalent compounds of chromium, including chromium trioxide, are hsted in lARC Group 1 ("carcinogenic to humans") and are classified as "select carcinogens" under the criteria of the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Long-term exposure to chromium trioxide or chromium(VI) salts may cause ulceration of the respiratory system and skin. Exposure to chromium trioxide by inhalation or skin contact may lead to sensitization. Chromium trioxide has exhibited teratogenic activity in animal tests. 

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