Chromium
Human Health Risk
Ecological Risk
Socioeconomic Risk
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Chromium is a metallic element that exists in the environment in two different chemical
states, Cr+3 and Cr+6. Cr+3 can occur naturally, Cr+6 occurs solely as the result of
human processes such as the manufacture of pigments, anti-corrosives, pressure
treated wood, chrome steel alloys, and in leather tanning. A strong corrosive agent,
Cr+6 can cause severe irritation of mucous membranes, skin, and the upper respiratory
tract. It is also a prevalent allergen, found in many common home and workplace
products. Cr+6 is a human carcinogen via the inhalation route of exposure.
What’s at risk?
What are the human health impacts in
New Jersey?
Based on measured levels of total chromium in
outdoor air at residences adjacent to historical
disposal sites, the cancer risk was calculated at
4.8-8.4 additional cancers per 100,000 people.
The number of people exposed on or near
waste sites is unknown; however, most of these
sites have subsequently been remediated. Average ambient air concentrations in New Jersey are
estimated to result in a lifetime cancer risk of 1.7
in 100,000 people, corresponding to 2 excess
cancers per year statewide. In the county with
the highest estimated ambient air chromium
levels the risk is estimated to be 28 times the
overall New Jersey average. This estimate,
however, is uncertain, as it assumes that Cr+6
constitutes a fixed fraction of Cr emissions from
all sources. The actual proportion of Cr+6 as a
fraction of all Cr emissions in New Jersey is
currently unknown. Occasional exceedances
(two incidents in the past six years) of drinking
What are the ecological impacts in New
Jersey?
Toxicity to aquatic organisms can lead to changes
in biological integrity and biodiversity. In New
Jersey, measured concentrations exceed benchmark values in sediments with a greater frequency in inland waters but greater severity in
marine waters. Sediments from wetlands also
show concentrations exceeding benchmark
values. Urban/terrestrial areas with chromium
contaminated fill are also at potential risk.
What are the socioeconomic impacts in
New Jersey?
No individual socioeconomic factor poses a
large risk in New Jersey although some aesthetic,
psychological, monetary and employment costs
may be evident.
What’s being done?
Waste site clean up is slowly reducing the number of sites with known chromate contamination. Drinking water is regularly monitored to
ensure that chromium contamination events are
infrequent and not severe.
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Final Report of the New Jersey State Comparative Risk Project
STRESSOR SUMMARIES
It is estimated that 1-2% of the general population is sensitized to chromium, and there are no
known factors leading to increased susceptibility
to cancer as a result of exposure to chromium.
Exposures are elevated for residents adjacent to
some waste sites known to be contaminated with
chromium. Approximately 180 sites in and
around Jersey City (Hudson County) were used
as disposal sites for chromate production waste.
Ecosystems are largely exposed via contaminated
sediments and soils near waste sites. Drinking
water contamination is isolated and sporadic.
water standards have temporarily exposed tens
of thousands of individuals to concentrations
exceeding reference doses for short periods of
time.