ABSTRACT
Exposure to chromium compounds occurs by ingestion of food and water, by inhalation of airborne particulates and by contact with numerous manufactured items containing chromium or its compounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2000) has estimated that daily chromium intake by humans is 200 µg from foodstuff, 0.8-16 µg from drinking water, and 1 µg from ambient air. Gauglhofer(1991) has reviewed the metabolism of chromium. The absorption, transport, distribution, and elimination of chromium compounds in humans and animals depends on factors such as the solubility and oxidation state of the chromium compound, the route and site by which the victim or subject is exposed to the chromium-containing material, and the particle size of the chromium-containing material when the route of exposure is by inhalation. The bronchial tree is the primary target organ for the carcinogenic effects associated with the inhalation of hexavalent chromium.
