HSE INDG 346 “Chromium and You”

Understanding the Risks of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium

Chromium and You (INDG346) is an HSE guidance leaflet produced for workers and employers who may be exposed to chromium and chromium compounds during their work activities.

While chromium exists in several forms, the guidance focuses primarily on hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI) because of its well-established health risks. Chromium VI compounds are widely recognised as hazardous substances capable of causing respiratory disease, skin damage and occupational cancer.

The leaflet explains:

What Chromium VI is
How workplace exposure occurs
Health effects associated with exposure
Exposure-control measures
Respiratory protection
Health surveillance
Employer responsibilities under COSHH

This resource is particularly relevant to:

Occupational Hygienists
LEV Designers/Commissioners & Testers
Welders/Surface Treatment Specialists
Electroplaters/Metal Finishers
Health & Safety Professionals
Duty Holders

Source Document

View the HSE guidance here:

View Original HSE Guidance

Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Document Type: Worker Information Leaflet
Status: Current
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

Chromium is used extensively throughout industry, particularly in metal finishing and corrosion-resistant applications.

However, not all chromium compounds present the same level of risk.

The HSE leaflet focuses specifically on Chromium VI compounds, which are considered the most hazardous form of chromium encountered in occupational settings. Chromium VI compounds are classified as carcinogenic and can also cause occupational asthma, skin sensitisation and severe irritation of the respiratory system.

Workers may be exposed during:

Stainless steel welding
Thermal cutting
Plasma cutting
Surface treatment processes
Electroplating operations
Chromate painting
Coating removal
Abrasive blasting
Maintenance activities

For LEV professionals, chromium exposure is particularly important because airborne contaminants are often generated during thermal processes.

When stainless steel is welded or thermally cut, chromium present within the metal can be converted into airborne Chromium VI compounds that may be inhaled by workers.

This highlights a fundamental occupational hygiene principle:

The hazard is often created by the process, not simply the material itself

Effective exposure control therefore relies on understanding both the material and the work activity being undertaken.

Key Learning Points

Chromium VI Is the Main Occupational Health Concern

The HSE guidance focuses on hexavalent chromium because it presents significantly greater health risks than other forms of chromium.

Chromium VI Can Cause Cancer

Long-term exposure to Chromium VI compounds has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

Respiratory Disease Can Develop from Exposure

Exposure may result in occupational asthma, respiratory irritation and damage to the nasal passages.

Skin Contact Should Not Be Overlooked

Chromium compounds may cause dermatitis, skin ulceration and sensitisation following repeated contact.

Effective Engineering Controls Are Essential

LEV systems remain one of the most effective methods of reducing airborne Chromium VI exposure during industrial processes.

Industries Where Exposure May Occur

Welding and Fabrication

Stainless steel welding and thermal cutting operations can generate airborne Chromium VI compounds.

Electroplating

Chromium plating operations may generate mists containing hazardous chromium compounds.

Surface Engineering

Coating, treatment and finishing processes may involve chromium-containing materials.

Aerospace Manufacturing

Chromate primers and protective coatings are frequently encountered within aerospace applications.

Maintenance and Refurbishment

Removal of chromium-containing coatings may generate hazardous airborne contaminants.

Occupational Hygiene Implications

Exposure Monitoring May Be Required

Air monitoring can help determine whether workers are adequately protected and whether exposure-control measures are performing effectively.

LEV Performance Is Critical

Properly designed extraction systems can significantly reduce airborne concentrations before contaminants reach the worker’s breathing zone.

Health Surveillance Supports Early Detection

Where exposure risks exist, health surveillance programmes may assist in identifying early signs of occupational disease.

Training Remains Essential

Workers should understand where chromium compounds are present and how exposures can occur.

Further Resources

Recommended Learning

LEVCentral Observation

Chromium VI provides an excellent example of why occupational hygiene requires more than simply identifying hazardous substances.

In many workplaces, the greatest risk arises not from handling chromium-containing materials directly but from the processes used to heat, weld, cut or treat them.

Understanding how airborne Chromium VI compounds are generated, and how engineering controls can prevent worker exposure, remains a critical part of modern occupational health management.

Effective LEV design, performance verification and exposure monitoring all play an important role in reducing the long-term health risks associated with Chromium VI exposure.