What are the health risks associated with chrome plating?

Hexavalent chromium, also known as chromic acid, is used in the electroplating process to chrome-plate metals. It is highly toxic and must be handled with care. The health risks associated with chrome plating are numerous. People can develop cancer and damage their kidneys, lungs, eyes, skin, liver and respiratory tract.

Due to the health risks associated with chrome plating, it makes sense for people to opt for PChrome spray chrome systems as a much healthier option.

Industrial sources of hexavalent chromium

Aside from chrome plating hexavalent chromium is also found in other industrial sources. Some of these are:

Serious health problems associated with exposure to hexavalent chromium

People who work with or are otherwise exposed to hexavalent chromium can develop lung cancer if they inhale it. You can also suffer
damage to the airways of your nose, lungs, and throat. People whose eyes and skin are exposed to high levels of hexavalent chromium can be harmed.

Lung, Nose and Throat Effects of Hexavalent Chromium

Workers who inhale high concentrations of hexavalent chromium may experience nasal and throat irritation. You may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching and burning. Repeated or prolonged contact can cause sores in the nose, which can lead to nosebleeds. If the damage is severe, the nasal septum may develop a perforation. Over time, some workers develop allergies to hexavalent chromium
.

Inhaling the particles can cause asthma symptoms for them.

How hexavalent chromium affects the skin

Workers may develop allergic skin reactions when handling solids or liquids containing contain hexavalent chromium. After an allergy develops, a worker may develop a red, itchy rash that becomes thick and crusty with prolonged exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis is more severe and long-lasting with repeated skin contact. Skin irritation may occur in people whose skin comes into direct contact with hexavalent chromium
, even if they are not allergic.

Direct contact can cause chrome boils, which are small crusted sores on the skin with rounded edges. These wounds take a long time to heal and leave scars.

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