Sources and toxicity of hexavalent chromium

Chromium exists in oxidation states ranging from −IV to +VI, inclusively. The compounds exhibit a wide range of geometries including square planar, tetrahedral, octahedral, and various distorted geometries. Ore refining, chemical and refractory processing, cement-producing plants, automobile brake lining, catalytic converters for automobiles, leather tanneries, and chrome pigments contribute to the atmospheric burden of chromium. Hexavalent chromium is known to have 100-fold more toxicity than trivalent chromium, for both acute and chronic exposures because of its high water solubility and mobility, as well as easy reduction. The respiratory tract is the major target organ for hexavalent chromium following the…