Potassium Dichromate
CAS Number: 7778-50-9
Sources of exposure:
Metal plating, metal finishing, leather tanning, pigments, laboratory chemicals, and contaminated soil or water
Description:
Potassium dichromate is an inorganic chromium compound containing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). It is used in industrial processes such as metal finishing, leather tanning, and chemical manufacturing. Exposure is primarily associated with occupational handling or environmental contamination from industrial activities.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Reproductive Toxicity
May alter hormone function and harm reproduction.
Developmental Toxicity
May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.
Genotoxicity
May cause mutations or damage DNA in cells.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Immunotoxicity & Allergens
May impact immune system function or cause allergic reactions.
Respiratory Toxicity & Asthmagens
May damage the lungs or trigger asthma.
Irritant
May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- EU REACH Annex XIV - Authorisation List - Subject to authorisation
- EU REACH Candidate List (SVHC) - Candidate list
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox). California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List.