Author
Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Chromium and hexavalent chromium are different forms of the metallic element chromium. The key difference between the two lies in their oxidation states and toxicity levels.

  • Chromium: This is a chemical element with atomic number 24. It occurs in the environment primarily in two valence states: trivalent chromium (Cr III) and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI). Chromium is an essential trace element in humans and is used in various industries, such as chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving.
  • Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI): This is the oxidized state of chromium, which is the principal concern in occupational safety, health, and the environment due to its extreme toxicity and designation as a human carcinogen. Hexavalent chromium is generally produced by industrial processes and is used in various industries, including electroplating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, textile manufacturing, and wood preservation.

Exposure to both forms of chromium can occur through breathing in dust particles, ingesting contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with the skin. While chromium (III) is an essential nutrient and much less toxic than chromium (VI), hexavalent chromium has been shown to cause lung cancer in humans when inhaled.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium?
  • Comparative Table: Chromium vs Hexavalent Chromium

    • Comparative Table: Chromium vs Hexavalent Chromium

    Here is a table comparing the differences between chromium and hexavalent chromium:

    Property Chromium Hexavalent Chromium
    Definition Chromium is a chemical element with atomic number 24, belonging to Group 6 in the periodic table, and is a transition metal. Hexavalent chromium refers to compounds containing chromium in the +6 oxidation state.
    Occurrence Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and volcanic dust and gases. Hexavalent chromium is generally produced by industrial processes and is a form of the metallic element chromium.
    Oxidation State Chromium can exist in different oxidation states, such as trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺). Hexavalent chromium always has chromium in the +6 oxidation state.
    Health Effects Trivalent chromium is considered an essential nutrient and is proposed to have health benefits. However, hexavalent chromium is known to cause lung cancer in humans when inhaled and is considered a known human carcinogen.
    Industrial Applications Chromium is used in the production of alloys and materials with high corrosion resistance and hardness. Hexavalent chromium is often used in industrial processes that involve chromium, such as welding on stainless steel and other metals that contain chromium, using pigments, spray paints, and coatings, operating chrome plating baths, and in the manufacturing of various chromium compounds.

    Please note that hexavalent chromium is a specific form of chromium, and not a separate element.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.