Chromium:Properties:- Hard Silvery White metal. It is found in trivalent & Hexavalent State. 1) Trivalent:- Non Toxic, e.g.

Chromium Oxide, Chromium Sulphate 2) Hexavalent:- Irritant, Corrosive, Carcinogenic e.g. a) Hexavalent Chromium:- Through all 3 Routes a) Lungs b) Gut c) Skin:- But poorly absorbed by skin. Why Trivalent is less Toxic ? :- Absorption is very poor It is rapidly excreted through urine, with biological life of 15 to 41 hours. Toxicity:1) Contact Dermatitis:- It acts as a Sensitizer 2) Occupational Asthema 3) Chrome Ulcers or chrome holes:- Notifiable Occupational Disease. Ulcers are circular, well demarcated lesions, which look as if they have been punched out of the skin. They are only slightly painful & tend to heal spontaneously, but may be troublesome if secondarily infected. They can however be treated adequately with 10% solution of Calcium EDTAte 4) Perforation of Nasal Cartilaginous Septum 5) Chronic Rhinitis 6) Chronic Bronchitis 7) Conjunctivitis 8) Keratitis 9) Ulcerations in the eyelids 10) Inhalation of Large Concentration may cause :- a) Cough b) Wheezing c) Inspiratory Pain d) Fever e) Loss of Weight f) Pulmonary Oedema 11) Renal Damage 12) Lung Carcinoma