US EPA

In October 2022, EPA publicly released the draft hexavalent chromium assessment for review and comment. The IRIS Toxicological Review of Hexavalent Chromium provides the scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment of exposure to hexavalent chromium. Following public comment, the assessment will undergo an independent external scientific peer review managed by EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB).

Cr(VI) is a naturally occurring metal that has been most commonly used commercially to prevent rust and corrosion and can be found in a variety of industries, including pigment manufacturing, chrome plating, and stainless-steel production. The general population may be exposed to Cr(VI) compounds when they inhale ambient air, and ingest water or food containing Cr(VI). EPA’s previous IRIS assessment on Cr(VI) was posted in 1998. This new draft assessment updates the information based on the latest science. The draft assessment provides a comprehensive systematic review of hundreds of studies on cancer and multiple noncancer health effects of inhalation and oral exposure to Cr(VI), resulting in a state-of-the-science human health assessment.

The IRIS Toxicological Review of Hexavalent Chromium (draft) provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to hexavalent chromium via ingestion.

Following public comment and external peer review, the assessment will be revised prior to final posting to the IRIS Web site.

U.S. EPA. IRIS Toxicological Review of Hexavalent Chromium (External Review Draft, 2022). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/635/R-22/191, 2022.