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Hexavalent Chromium-Free Metals

Galvanized steel & metal hardware passivated without hexavalent chromium — same corrosion protection, no IARC Group 1 carcinogen.

Hexavalent Chromium-Free Metals in residential building applications
Hexavalent Chromium-Free Metals — a natural material we specify on every Earth Bound Homes project

Toxicity Screening — All Clear

This material screens clear across all seven independent toxicology authorities we use on every project.

LBC Red List
Not Listed
Prop 65
Not Listed
IARC
Not Listed
NTP RoC
Not Listed
GSPI
Not Listed
REACH SVHC
Not Listed
TSCA
Not Listed

Material Type

Trivalent-Chromium or Chromate-Free Surface Treatment

Material Description

Galvanized steel and zinc-plated hardware have historically used hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) chromate conversion coatings for corrosion resistance — a treatment that leaves a thin Cr⁶⁺ residue on every surface, exposing fabricators, installers, and demolition crews to an IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Modern alternatives use trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺), zirconium oxide, silanes, or phosphate-based passivation chemistries that match Cr⁶⁺ corrosion performance without the carcinogen. EBH specifies Cr⁶⁺-free passivation on all galvanized sheet, fasteners, and brackets — particularly important on products that crews will be cutting, welding, or grinding in the field.

Composition & Origin

Composition and origin of cr6 free metal
Galvanized steel with trivalent-chromium (Cr³⁺), zirconium-oxide, silane, or phosphate-based passivation · no Cr⁶⁺

Health Profile — All Endpoints Clear

Severity scored 0–10 against the same 10 hazard endpoints we use for the chemical families on the avoid list. Every score is 1–2 — essentially no signal across every endpoint.

Cancer
1/10
Endocrine
1/10
Reproductive
1/10
Developmental
1/10
Neurological
1/10
Respiratory
2/10
Cardiovascular
1/10
Liver/Kidney
1/10
Skin
2/10
Immune
1/10

Common Forms & Brands

Why We Use It

Where It Performs Best

Building Applications for Hexavalent Chromium-Free Metals

Listed alphabetically. Where in a home this material earns its keep.

Specifying a project? Drop the manufacturer's SDS into our SDS Toxic Chemical Screener to verify any specific product you're considering screens clear on all seven databases.