The use of hexavalent chromium in surface treatments is no longer authorized, meaning that the substance must be replaced. Cr6+ chromium compounds have been included in Annex XIV of REACH due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. One potentially viable alternative seems to be trivalent chromium compounds such as chromium acetate, chromium oxide, dichromium trisulfate and chromium trinitrate.
The following table, put together by EcoMundo, displays the harmonized classification of the main chromium VI compounds and the so-called “self-classification” of the chromium III compounds (classifications made by the submitters of these substances’ registration dossiers) to compare their properties.
[Get the chart]
The objective of the harmonized classification system is to ensure that hazards are identified and that protective measures for human health and the environment appropriate to these hazards are taken in a harmonized manner across the different Member States of the European Union.
Currently, trivalent chromium compounds are not classified under this system, which may suggest that the hazard concerns and risks of use are less severe than those associated with hexavalent chromium compounds.
Unlike hexavalent chromium compounds, therefore, trivalent chromium compounds are not currently considered mutagenic or carcinogenic. However, trivalent chromium compounds may present other hazards, such as physiological effects in humans (skin and/or respiratory sensitization, reprotoxicity, target organ toxicity).
What other concerns are raised for Cr3+ compounds?
Trivalent chromium compounds are considered eye and skin irritants with acute toxicity through inhalation, skin contact, and oral consumption at high concentrations. Additionally, some of these compounds may cause respiratory symptoms.
During a CoRAP (Community Rolling Action Plan) study conducted by Agence Nationale Sanitaire Alimentaire Nationale (ANSES, FRA), additional concerns were identified. These concerns included genotoxicity of nanoparticulate forms and repeated dose toxicity. For more information about the studies conducted and the findings they raised, contact our experts.
Yet another concern seems to be the use of CrIII for decorative chrome plating, which may be a double-pronged issue. First, its use here would, at least in some cases, require the use of borates, which may lead to the formation of hexavalent chromium). Second, the raw material used during the manufacturing process is CrVI.
Important Takeaways
Thus, although considered as alternative substances, the uses of trivalent chromium compounds require appropriate risk management measures to control the potential risks associated with these substances. As with hexavalent chromium compounds, these measures must be implemented at industrial sites to limit operator exposure and environmental releases.
At the company level, regular and targeted regulatory monitoring of Chromium III compounds seems to be an appropriate method for anticipating the regulatory and technical obligations introduced by current evaluations and experimental studies that will be conducted in the future.
EcoMundo offers you a diagnosis for your company and on-site audits. Moreover, with its MAT Factory software, we allow you to continuously follow the regulatory requirements as they evolve.
The use of hexavalent chromium in surface treatments is no longer authorized, meaning that the substance must be replaced. Cr6+ chromium compounds have been included in Annex XIV of REACH due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. One potentially viable alternative seems to be trivalent chromium compounds such as chromium acetate, chromium oxide, dichromium trisulfate and chromium trinitrate.
The following table, put together by EcoMundo, displays the harmonized classification of the main chromium VI compounds and the so-called “self-classification” of the chromium III compounds (classifications made by the submitters of these substances’ registration dossiers) to compare their properties.
[Get the chart]
The objective of the harmonized classification system is to ensure that hazards are identified and that protective measures for human health and the environment appropriate to these hazards are taken in a harmonized manner across the different Member States of the European Union.
Currently, trivalent chromium compounds are not classified under this system, which may suggest that the hazard concerns and risks of use are less severe than those associated with hexavalent chromium compounds.
Unlike hexavalent chromium compounds, therefore, trivalent chromium compounds are not currently considered mutagenic or carcinogenic. However, trivalent chromium compounds may present other hazards, such as physiological effects in humans (skin and/or respiratory sensitization, reprotoxicity, target organ toxicity).
What other concerns are raised for Cr3+ compounds?
Trivalent chromium compounds are considered eye and skin irritants with acute toxicity through inhalation, skin contact, and oral consumption at high concentrations. Additionally, some of these compounds may cause respiratory symptoms.
During a CoRAP (Community Rolling Action Plan) study conducted by Agence Nationale Sanitaire Alimentaire Nationale (ANSES, FRA), additional concerns were identified. These concerns included genotoxicity of nanoparticulate forms and repeated dose toxicity. For more information about the studies conducted and the findings they raised, contact our experts.
Yet another concern seems to be the use of CrIII for decorative chrome plating, which may be a double-pronged issue. First, its use here would, at least in some cases, require the use of borates, which may lead to the formation of hexavalent chromium). Second, the raw material used during the manufacturing process is CrVI.
Important Takeaways
Thus, although considered as alternative substances, the uses of trivalent chromium compounds require appropriate risk management measures to control the potential risks associated with these substances. As with hexavalent chromium compounds, these measures must be implemented at industrial sites to limit operator exposure and environmental releases.
At the company level, regular and targeted regulatory monitoring of Chromium III compounds seems to be an appropriate method for anticipating the regulatory and technical obligations introduced by current evaluations and experimental studies that will be conducted in the future.
EcoMundo offers you a diagnosis for your company and on-site audits. Moreover, with its MAT Factory software, we allow you to continuously follow the regulatory requirements as they evolve.
