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Encyclopedia of Cancer pp 1–4Cite as

Hexavalent Chromium

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Synonyms

Chromate; Chromium(VI); Cr(VI); Cr6+

Definition

Chromium is a metallic element with oxidation states ranging from +2 to +6. Hexavalent chromium rarely occurs naturally but is produced from anthropogenic sources. Chromium in the hexavalent state occurs naturally only in the rare mineral crocoite (PbCrO4).

Characteristics

Numerous regulatory agencies worldwide have concluded that all hexavalent chromium compounds should be considered carcinogenic among exposed populations although strong evidence has been presented that water-insoluble (also known as particulate) hexavalent chromium compounds are the more potent carcinogens.

Uses and Sources

The metallurgical, refractory, and chemical industries are the major users and producers of hexavalent chromium. The compounds are used for chrome plating, the manufacture of dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. Smaller amounts are used in rust and corrosion inhibitors, drilling muds, textiles, and toner for copying...

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References

  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Research (1997) Top 20 hazardous substances: ATSDR/EPA priority list for 1997. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Atlanta, Georgia

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  • DeFlora S, Bagnasco M, Serra D et al (1990) Genotoxicity of chromium compounds. Mutat Res 238:99–172

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  • Holmes AL, Wise SS, Sandwick SJ et al (2006) Chronic exposure to lead chromate causes centrosome abnormalities and aneuploidy in human lung cells. Cancer Res 66(8):4041–4048

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  • IARC (1990) Chromium, nickel and welding. IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum 49:1–648

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  • Wise SS, Holmes AL, Sandwick SJ et al (2006) Chronic exposure to lead chromate induces mitotic disruption and chromosome instability. Chem Res Toxicol 19:1492–1498

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    John Pierce Wise

Authors
  1. John Pierce Wise
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John Pierce Wise .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Abt. Tumorgenetik, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany

    Manfred Schwab

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Wise, J.P. (2014). Hexavalent Chromium. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_2707-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_2707-2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27841-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Biomedicine and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences

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