The document updates the 1984 Health Assessment Document for Chromium by addressing issues regarding noncarcinogenic health effects of chromium: oxidation states and persistence of these states in the environment, sampling and analytical methodology to differentiate these oxidation states and amounts at submicrogram ambient air levels, the degree of human exposure to chromium in the environment, both short-term and long-term, in vivo reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III), and effects from environmentally relevant levels on pulmonary function and renal function. Trivalent chromium is chemically stable; Cr (VI) is readily reduced to Cr (III). Oxidation state of chromium in ambient air depends on proximity to sources emitting one form over the other. Reliable monitoring methods to speciate oxidation states at ambient air levels below 1 microgram/cu m are not available. Ambient levels of total chromium (obtained from EPA's National Air Data Branch) range from a high of 0.6 microgram/cu m to below the detection limit of 0.005 microgram/cu m. Reduction of hexavalent chromium in vivo occurs in several organ systems and therefore, small amounts of inhaled Cr (VI) will be reduced before systemic absorption can occur. Trivalent chromium is an essential trace metal which potentiates actions of insulin-mediated glucose transport.

"Final." Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "April 1990." Includes bibliographical references (pages 7-1-7-11). "EPA/600/8-87/048F."