Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) and CompoundsCAS 18540-29-9
The 'Erin Brockovich' chemical — IARC Group 1 lung carcinogen and the strongest skin sensitizer on the metals list.
Toxic Chemical Databases
Substance-specific listings — these flags are for Hexavalent Chromium alone, not for the broader family.
Chemical Type
Oxidized Transition Metal — Group 1 Lung Carcinogen
Chemical Description
Hexavalent chromium is the highly-oxidized form of chromium and the form responsible for chromium's carcinogenicity. The trivalent form (Cr III) is a trace essential nutrient with minimal toxicity. The two forms can interconvert in the body and environment. IARC Group 1 carcinogen for lung cancer through inhalation. Construction sources include chromate-treated galvanized steel, leather-tanning residues in old furniture, and chromate pigments in older paint and powder coat.
Biological Activity
Severity scores specific to this substance, NOT the parent family average. Differences between siblings are real and meaningful.
Top Health Consequences
- Lung cancer — IARC Group 1 by inhalation
- Severe skin sensitization — leading cause of chromate dermatitis
- Nasal septum ulceration with chronic occupational inhalation
- Drinking water contamination near plating facilities
Pathways of Exposure
- Inhalation during welding chromium-containing alloys
- Skin contact with chromate-treated leather, hardware, and galvanized metal
- Drinking water from contaminated aquifers (Erin Brockovich case)
- Dust from chromate-pigmented paint coatings
Building Materials with Hexavalent Chromium
Listed alphabetically — product categories where this specific substance appears.
Chromate-Treated Galvanized Sheet Metal
Galvanized Hardware & Fasteners (Pre-2007)
Legacy Chromate Pigments in Paint
Tanned-Leather Upholstery