Toxic Pollutants

Metal: Chromium• Properties:– Naturally occurring element found in rocks andsoils.– The most common forms are chromium(0),chromium(III), and chromium(VI).– Chromium(III) occurs naturally in the environmentand is an essential nutrient for the human body.– The other forms of mercury are generally producedby the industrial process.•Uses/Sources of Exposure:•The metal form of chromium {chromium(0)} is used to make steel.•Chromium(VI) and chromium(III) are used for chrome plating,dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving.•Contaminated water and chromium in the workplaces are theprimary ares pf exposure to the metal forms of chromium.jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/.../MAINPT/CmCz_elt/Cr.HTM•Foods containing chromium(III) can also be ingested, but this formof chromium casues no harm.