Asbestos
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Cadmium
Chromium
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What is Chromium?
Chromium is a metal. As a solid, chromium is blue-white to steel-gray. It is lustrous, brittle, hard, and odorless. Chromium compounds vary in appearance and odor depending on the specific compound.Chromium and chromium compounds are common. Chromium is used as a pigment. It is present in Portland cement or concrete and in adhesives. It also can be released during many other operations, such as welding or sandblasting stainless steel structures or surfaces containing old paint.
Chromium is highly toxic. It is especially toxic by inhalation of the dust or fume.
Chromium Exposure
Chromium can cause kidney damage.
Chromium is a major cause of allergic dermatitis. When a person has allergic dermatitis, it means the body has developed an immunological response to a substance. This is like the response of people who are allergic to pollen.
What We Look For
Special urine tests, sensitive to the changes in kidney function induced by chromium, may be required. The results of these urine tests will show whether you have kidney damage as a result of chromium exposure.During a physical examination of the skin, we look for signs of allergic dermatitis.
If you test positive, you will be referred to your doctor or advised of the specialty consultation needed for any additional test or treatment.
Confidentiality
All test results are confidential. You will receive a letter summarizing your examination and photocopies of your test results which you may share with your personal physician.
