Chromium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing Chromium is a steel-gray, hard metal that is very brittle. It is classified as a heavy metal. After its refined from the ore chromite its compounds are used in leather tanning and manufacturing of chromic acid, pigments, and corrosion-resistant chrome products. The greatest use of chromium is in metal alloys such as magnetic tapes, paint pigments, cement, paper, and stainless steel. It is also used as an ingrediant in drilling mud, which is used to drill oil wells. Humans do need a certain amount of trivalent chromium to maintain good health. Although, in other forms, chromium can be toxic for humans. Workers in chromium products facilities have increased risks of cancer of the lungs and nose. In 1974, Congess passes the Safe Drinking Water Act. This act required EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which might cauase health problems. These levels are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals or MCLGs'. The MCLG for chromium is 0.1 parts per million or PPMs'. At this level there is no potential for health problems. This and all other standards for water quality are called National Primary Drinking Water Gegulations. All public water supplies must abide by these regulations. Short-term effects can include, but are not limited to, skin irritation or ulceration. This occurs when a person is exposed to chromium at levels that exceed MCL standards for a relatively short period of time. Long-term effects can include, but are not limited to, damage to liver, kidneys, circulatory and nerve tissue, and skin irratation. This occurs when a person is exposed to chromium at level above MCL standards over a lifetime.Production of chromium contaminated water was about 250,000 tons in 1992. Chromium occurs mostly as chrome iron ore and is widley found in soils and plants, it is rare in natural water. The two largest sources of chromium emissions ...
