Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Chef Knife - Shirley Deutsch/Hexavalent chromium dust and fume exposure

Cutting of stainless steel Hazard - Hexavalent chromium dust and fume exposure (causes respiratory illnesses and cancer)

What is Hexavalent Chromium dust and fume and what causes it?

Hexavalent Chromium, is a heavy metal that is known to be dangerous when inhaled. Chromium is various industrial processes, including the cutting of stainless steel. Hexavalent Chrome is given off when stainless steel is cut as the Chromium in stainless steel is converted into Hexavalent Chromium. The high temperature involved in the cutting process results in oxidation that converts the chromium to a hexavalent state.

What are the health effects associated with Hexavalent Chromium dust and fume?

Hexavalent chromium dust and fume exposure causes respiratory illnesses and cancer. Exposure can happen through direct contact or breathing contaminated air. Occupational health effects of much exposure can result in cancer. It is known that workers who are exposed to Hexavalent Chromium have much higher rates of lung cancer and respiratory system failures. Hexavalent Chromium irritates the nose and the throat, as it develops it can cause respiratory system effects similar to asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. If Hexavalent Chromium particles (from dust) get in direct contact with the eyes, permanent eye damage will result. Other than respiratory illnesses and cancer, direct contact with the skin can irritate and possible cause skin rashes .

Who is exposed to Hexavalent chromium

Other than individuals working with stainless steal and other metals containing chromium in high temperatures, the use of pigments and spray paints for coating release Hexavalent Chromium dust particles and fumes. It is also common among workers operating on chrome plating baths .

What are the safe level of exposure and how do you measure this exposure?

The Permissible Exposure Limit according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 5 μg/m^3 for the average eight hour work period of a day. The workplace standards require a periodic monitoring of at least every six months if the first inital monitoring of employees show exposure above 2.5 μg/m^3. This exposure is measured using air sampling.

How can this risk be reduced for workers?

To reduce the risk of employers, the company must establish rules and regulations on protective clothing and respiratory protection. Medical examinations should be conducted regularly as well as training to employees regarding the use and maintenance of the equipment. If an employee is cutting stainless steel, that individuals should wear protective eye wear in additional to gloves and the workplace should have some proper ventilation to reduce the risk. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also requires the company to make medical examinations available to employees within the first 30 days of exposure.