Table of contentsHealth effects of chromiumEnvironmental effects of chromiumHealth effects of cadmiumEnvironmental effects of cadmiumChromium is a hard, shiny and brittle metal. Its color is silver gray and it can be very polished. It does not tarnish in air, when heated it burns and forms green chromium oxide. Chromium is unstable in oxygen. Chromium is mainly used in alloys such as stainless steel, chrome plating and metal ceramics. Chrome plating was once widely used to give steel a polished silver mirror coating. Chromium is used in metallurgy to provide corrosion resistance. Chromium is extracted in the form of chromite ore (FeCr2O4). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Health Effects of Chromium People can be exposed to chromium through breathing, eating or drinking and through skin contact with chromium or chromium compounds. The level of chromium in air and water is generally low. In drinking water, the level of chromium is also generally low, but contaminated well water may contain dangerous chromium (IV); hexavalent chromium. For most people, consuming foods containing chromium(III) is the primary route of chromium absorption, because chromium(III) occurs naturally in many vegetables, fruits, meats, yeast, and grains. Chromium (III) is an essential nutrient for humans and its deficiency can cause heart disease, metabolic disturbances and diabetes. But absorbing too much chromium (III) can also cause adverse health effects, such as skin rashes. Chromium (VI) poses a danger to human health, mainly for people working in the steel and textile industries. People who smoke tobacco also have a higher risk of chromium exposure. Chromium (VI) is known to have various health effects. When it is a compound found in leather products, it can cause allergic reactions, such as a rash. After breathing it, chromium (VI) can cause nasal irritation and nosebleeds. Health risks associated with exposure to chromium depend on its oxidation state. The metallic form is of low toxicity. The hexavalent form is toxic. Environmental Effects of Chromium Chromium enters the air, water and soil as chromium (III) and chromium (VI) through natural processes and human activities. The main human activities that increase chromium(III) concentrations are leather, leather, and textile manufacturing. The main human activities that increase chromium (VI) concentrations are chemical, leather and textile manufacturing, electroplating, and other industrial applications of chromium (VI). These applications will primarily increase chromium concentrations in water. Through the burning of coal, chromium will also end up in the air, and when waste is disposed of, chromium will end up in the soil. Most of the chromium in the air will eventually settle out and end up in water or soil. Chromium in soils binds strongly to soil particles and therefore does not move into groundwater. In water, chromium will be absorbed by sediment and become immobile. when the daily dose is too low. Chromium (VI) is primarily toxic to organisms. This can alter genetic material and cause cancer. Cultures contain systems that ensure that chromium absorption is sufficient.