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Proposition 65 Warnings

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Updated December 2018 1/3
Chromium (Hexavalent Compounds)
(Chromium 6, Chromium VI)
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds?
· Hexavalent chromium (chromium 6) compounds are on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause cancer. Exposure to chromium 6 compounds can increase the risk of lung cancer. Chromium 6 compounds may also cause cancers of the nose and nasal sinuses.
· Hexavalent chromium (chromium 6) compounds are also on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Exposure to chromium 6 compounds during pregnancy may affect the development of the child. Exposure to chromium 6 compounds may harm the reproductive systems of men and women.
· Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.

What is chromium 6?
· Chromium 6, also known as hexavalent chromium, is the most toxic form of the metal chromium. It is naturally found in rocks, and may enter the groundwater by the weathering of chromium 6-containing rocks, or from industrial contamination.
Chromium 6:

•  Is used in pigments for textile dyes, paints, and inks.
• Is used in chrome plating processes and in wood preservatives.
• Is emitted during casting, welding, and cutting stainless steel.
• May be present at low levels in some leather goods, and in cement, which is commonly used in concrete, mortar, stucco, and grouts.

How does exposure to chromium 6 occur?
· Chromium 6 can be inhaled when it occurs as an air contaminant. It can be released into the air from cement manufacture, chrome plating, stainless steel production, soldering, and certain other industrial processes.
· Chromium 6 can be ingested when it is present in drinking water. This has been a concern in some communities. California is currently working to directly regulate the amount of chromium 6 allowed in public drinking water.
· Chromium 6 can be ingested by contact with soil or dust containing chromium 6. This is because particles of soil or dust containing chromium 6 may be transferred from the hands to the mouth, and swallowed.
· During pregnancy, chromium 6 can pass from mother to baby.