1. C HROMIUM, H EXAVALENT Doris Valle 6 th Pd APES March 14, 2012

2. C HROMIUM H EXAVALENT Exist as several forms: chromate pigments, chromate acids, & fuming liquid Does not react with water at room temperature, It’s unstable in oxygen & produces a thin oxide layer that is impermeable to it and protects the metal. Characteristics: Gray, white, & brittle as a solid Practically insoluble in water Doesn’t tarnish in air

3. C HROMIUM H EXAVALENT Movement: Enters the air, water and soil through natural processes and human activities. Most will eventually settle and end up in waters or soils. It enters the human body through inhalation in the form of dust, fume or mist. Major Sources: stainless steel production, paints, welding, anticorrosion agents, photography, waste incineration, volcanic dust & gas

4. C HROMIUM H EXAVALENT Toxicity Level: Extremely toxic especially when inhaled Environmental Damage: Can contaminate water Can cause soil acidification which damages crops High concentrations can damage the gills of fish Can cause respiratory problems, lower ability to fight disease, infertility, birth defects, and tumors in animals

5. C HROMIUM H EXAVALENT Health Risk: Carcinogen Skin rashes Ulcers Respiratory problems Weak immune systems Kidney and liver damage Alteration of genetic material Lung cancer

6. W ORKS CITED "Chromium Compounds." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2007. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.. "Chromium - Cr." Chromium (Cr). Lenntech, 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.. Mukherjee, Bidisha. "Effects of Hexavalent Chromium." Buzzle.com. Buzzle.com, 30 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2012..