Significance of Use
Chromium salts are widely used in industrial processes such as metal finishing and plating, as well as in the leather industry as a tanning agent, and in the manufacture of paints, dyes, explosives, and ceramics. Chromium may enter a water supply through the discharge of waste from these industries or from chromate-treated cooling waters, where it is frequently added for corrosion control. The hexavalent state of chromium, CrVI, is toxic to humans, animals, and aquatic life; it can produce lung tumors when inhaled and readily induces skin sensitization.