Occupational Risk from Chromium.
Abstract
U.S. Navy (Navy) operations require the use of chrome (Cr) compounds in its various defense program activities. However, certain forms of Cr have been shown to cause acute and chronic toxicity. A reduction in the OSHA PEL from 0.5 mg/m3 to 0.0005 mg/m3 has been proposed. Accordingly, the Navy and the Department of Defense (DoD) are concerned over the potential for any adverse affect occurring among the exposed personnel. Currently available chrome toxicity information were reviewed and assessed in this report. Existing epidemiological data and pharmacokinetic models suggest that cancer potency may vary with solubility and form of hexavalent chrome. A new analytical method, ID 215, is now available that identifies hexavalent Cr at the proposed levels. Personal samples analyzed using this method were obtained from the Navy Occupational Exposure Database and evaluated. Estimated potential risk to Naval personnel from hexavalent chrome exposure, assuming no personal protective equipment, were in the 1/10000 range for the majority of the processes monitored. The highest risks calculated were in the 1/100 to 1/1000 range for abrasive blasting using mineral spirits and sand. Several operations, however, would require the use of respiratory protection and, therefore, risk would be expected to be appreciably less. In general, exposure levels analyzed using ID-2l5 method were generally one order of magnitude below current standards.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA329490
Entities
People
- Barbara J. Larcom
- Erik K. Vermulen
- Joseph K. Prince
- Lisa M. May
- Theresa A. Hoffman-till