
Trivalent chromium is another method of decorative chrome plating, and is considered the environmentally friendly alternative to hexavalent chromium, with many of the same characteristics just like hexavalent chrome finishes, trivalent chrome finishes provide scratch and corrosion resistance and are available in a variety of color options. In recent years, automotive OEMs such as Chrysler have made efforts to replace hexavalent chromium finishes with more eco-friendly finishes. Hexavalent chromium itself is a hazardous substance and carcinogen and is heavily regulated by the EPA. This type of plating produces several byproducts which are considered hazardous waste, including lead chromates and barium sulfate.

Hexavalent chromium plating has its disadvantages, however. Automotive steering wheel component in a hexavalent chrome finish This type of chromium plating provides corrosion and wear resistance, as well as aesthetic appeal. Hexavalent chromium plating is achieved by submerging substrates into a bath of chromium trioxide (CrO 3) and sulfuric acid (SO 4). Hexavalent chromium plating is the traditional method of chromium plating (most commonly known as chrome plating) and can be used for decorative and functional finishes. Under the COSHH Regulations exposures should be controlled to levels as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) by means that are proportionate to the health risk.Have you been hearing about hexavalent chrome and trivalent chrome, but still aren’t really sure what the difference is, and what that difference means? Let us provide some clarity.

To assess the human health impact in the workplace the following can be conducted:
HEXALAVENT CHROMIUM USES SKIN
Even single exposures can cause eye irritation and damage and skin irritation upon contact () Some of the adverse short-term effects from hexavalent chromium exposures include nasal and sinus cancers, allergic reactions, inflammation of the lungs, kidney and liver damage, nasal and skin irritation, and ulceration. All chromates, di-chromates and polychromates fall into this category. The effects of chromium compounds on human health vary according to water solubility and other factors but it is hexavalent chromium compounds that are the most toxic. Hexavalent chromium forms many different compounds which are largely very unstable. What are the human health impacts of exposure to Chromium (VI)?

