Hexavalent chromium fumes do more than jeopardize worker health. When not properly contained, hex chrome also puts the health of local communities at risk.
Without proper controls in place, hexavalent chromium can escape into the neighboring air, soil and water. Children who play outside in dirt contaminated with hexavalent chromium then later touch their mouths, nose and eyes are likely to become exposed.
Those who ingest water tainted with hex chrome are also at risk of developing stomach cancer as well as reproductive problems. Exposing skin to hexavalent chromium can cause non-allergic skin irritation and “chrome ulcers”- small, crusted lesions that scar and are slow to heal.