Occupational Exposure Risks to Hexavalent Chromium in Puerto Rico

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) describes hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] as a toxic form of the element chromium. Hexavalent chromium compounds are usually man-made and are widely used in many different industries. Exposure can occur through breathing it, ingesting it in food or water, or by direct contact with the skin.

OSHA reports that chromium metal is added to alloy steel to increase hardenability and corrosion resistance. A major source of worker exposure to Cr(VI) occurs during “hot work” such as welding on stainless steel and other alloy steels containing chromium metal. Hexavalent chromium compounds may also be used as pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics. It may even be used as an anticorrosive agent added to paints, primers, and other surface coatings. The hexavalent chromium compound chromic acid is used to electroplate chromium onto metal parts to provide a decorative or protective coating.

“Hexavalent chromium is an established human carcinogen in certain occupational settings as a result of inhalation exposure, warns the National Toxicology Program,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The risk of developing lung, nasal, and sinus cancer increases with the amount of hexavalent chromium inhaled and the length of time the worker is exposed. To help protect workers, OSHA has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Cr(VI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).”

To safeguard workers in Puerto Rico and the surrounding region, Zimmetry offers environmental and industrial hygiene testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to detect and mitigate exposure risks. Services include air testing and monitoring, assessing engineering controls, personal protective equipment training and respiratory mask fit testing, and employee hazard communication training. These resources not only protect workers, they also help companies comply with health and safety regulations.

Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about hexavalent chromium exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/c2NNo8u77vM

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance, and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com .

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail