Chromium(VI) oxide is a red compound, CrO3; rhombic; r.d. 2.70; m.p. 196°C. It can be made by careful addition of concentrated sulphuric acid to an ice-cooled concentrated aqueous solution of sodium dichromate with stirring. The mixture is then filtered through sintered glass, washed with nitric acid, then dried at 120°C in a desiccator.
Chromium(VI) oxide is an extremely powerful oxidizing agent, especially to organic matter; it immediately inflames ethanol. It is an acidic oxide and dissolves in water to form ‘chromic acid’, a powerful oxidizing agent and cleansing fluid for glassware. At 400°C, chromium(VI) oxide loses oxygen to give chromium(III) oxide.
Chromium (VI) Oxide(CAS.NO:1333-82-0) is a red odorless powder. It is used in chrome plating, aluminum anodizing, dye, ink and paint manufacturing, tanning, engraving and photography.
1. Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chromium (VI) Oxide and can last for months or years:
1) Cancer Hazard
* Chromium (VI) Oxide is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause lung and throat cancer.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans.
2) Reproductive Hazard
* There is limited evidence that Chromium (VI) Oxide is a teratogen in animals. until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans.
3) Other Long-Term Effects
* Chromium (VI) Oxide can cause a hole in the “bone” dividing the inner nose. Early signs may occur, of irritation, discharge, bleeding, and/or formation of a crust in the inner nose.
* Exposed persons may develop a skin allergy, with a rash like eczema. If this happens, any future skin contact can trigger severe rash.
* Upset stomach and sometimes stomach ulcers can occur.
* Exposure may cause irritation of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) with cough and phlegm.
* Lung allergy, with wheezing or shortness of breath, sometimes occurs. In such cases, even small future exposures can cause symptoms. Repeated attacks may lead to lung scarring.
* Repeated or severe exposure may cause liver or kidney damage, growths (polyps) on the voice box, or changes in the blood count.
2. Hazard Summary
* Chromium (VI) Oxide can affect you when breathed in. It can also enter the body through the skin.
* Chromium (VI) Oxide is a carcinogen–handle with extreme caution.
* Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision.
* Breathing Chromium (VI) Oxide can cause a sore or hole through the inner nose (septum), sometime with bleeding, discharge or crusting. Irritation of nose, throat and bronchial tubes can also occur, with cough and/or wheezing.
* Skin contact can cause deep ulcers, or an allergic skin rash. Severe skin irritation may also occur.
3. Spillage Disposal
Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Vacuum spilled material. OR Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
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