Chromium (inorganic) health monitoring

Chromium (CAS 7440-47-3) is a steel-grey metal that exists in a number of oxidation states, including

• the free metal
• trivalent chromium compounds (Cr[III]), and
• hexavalent chromium compounds (Cr[VI]).

Examples of work activities involving chromium compounds that may require special attention include:

• welding, cutting and hard-facing of stainless steel
• manual metal arc welding of high chromium steels
• chrome plating
• refractory production
• addition of cement to gravel and sand to make concrete
• leather tanning
• timber preservation using, for example, copper chrome arsenic
• chromate use in the textile industry
• chrome pigment use, for example in paints

This guide provides information for those registered medical practitioners engaged by a PCBU to carry out or supervise health monitoring for workers. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Health monitoring guide for registered medical practitioners
• Health monitoring guides for hazardous chemicals
• Health monitoring guide for workers
• Health monitoring guide for persons conducting business or undertakings (PCBUs)