Monona Rossol on wed 14 may 97
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 09:39:18 EDT
From: John Baymore
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
......
Hi, I am curious as to the toxicity of potassium bichromate, ....
Lynn Curran
Working from the "brain database" here....... as I recall it, potassium
bichromate (dichromate) is, like all chromium compounds, a carcinogen. It
also causes skin ulceration and severe irritation to nasal membranes. I
think the OSHA airborn TLV's are the same as for lead compounds....although
not sure on that one. I seem to remember some other particular
peculiarities that make it QUITE toxic, but can't remember off hand.
I would hope that Monona picks up this one.
Best,
............................john
----------------------------------------------------end forward
The airborne limits for chrome compounds are complicated. potassium
bichromate is a soluble chrome VI compound and its standards compared to lead
go like this:
-----------------ACGIH TLV--------------OSHA PEL
Chrome VI 0.05 TWA(8-hr limit 0.1 Ceiling limit (0-hr allowed)
Lead 0.05 TWA 0.05 TWA
------------------------------------------------
So John's right--chrome is about in the same pocket as lead.
Potassium bichromate is rated as a first class carcinogen by all the
occupational agencies (OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH, IARC, NTP etc.). Lead is a sort
of second rate carcinogen by NTP and IARC standards.
Chrome is also a hell of a sensitizer causing a nasty ulcerative dermatitis.
Most people who are allergic to metals are allergic chrome or nickel.
Hope this helps.
Monona Rossol, industrial hygienist
Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety
181 Thompson St., # 23
New York, NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
http://www.caseweb.com/acts/
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