California officials, seeking to resolve the controversy, asked the National Toxicology Program to conduct animal tests. Hexav… Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is known to cause lung cancer in workers of certain industries, but an association with stomach cancer is uncertain and widely debated. Chromium (VI) is one of the two stable species of chromium (Cr) that can be found in biological systems. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the most common environmental carcinogen causing lung cancer in humans; however, the mechanism of Cr(VI) carcinogenesis remains elusive. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the valence states (+6) of the element chromium. This map shows predicted levels of hexavalent chromium in outdoor air at residential locations in Canada in 2011. The Report on Carcinogens lists hexavalent chromium compounds as known human carcinogens. It has been detected in 30 percent of drinking water sources in California, at levels mostly under the existing 50 ppb state standard, according to the state health department. However, the U.S. EPA rejected that study as flawed and determined there was no evidence it was carcinogenic in water. The contamination is still spreading, so the state issued its latest cleanup order to PG&E in August. Certain chemical reactions can change chromium atoms into a hexavalent form that creates cancer-causing genetic mutations in cells. These compounds have been used widely as corrosion inhibitors and in the manufacture of pigments, metal finishing and chrome plating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, and wood preservatives. Recent tests found hexavalent chromium, a.k.a. Hexavalent chromium compounds are used widely in metal finishing and chrome plating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, and wood preservatives. Occupational exposure to these compounds is associated with increased risks of lung cancer and cancer of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. NIOSH considers all Cr(VI) compounds to be occupational carcinogens. Hexavalent chromium is harmful to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. U.S. EPA officials also are evaluating the national 100 ppb standard and plan to release their results this fall. However, Gwiazda said, using the new research “to support a drinking water standard is a different matter” because extrapolating it to humans remains controversial. Mapping. Gwiazda, who has served on EPA and California scientific advisory panels, said extrapolating the animal findings for humans creates uncertainty because the rodents had to be fed higher doses. If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. National Toxicology Program scientists reported that their two-year animal study “clearly demonstrates” that the compound is carcinogenic in drinking water. EPA spokeswoman Enesta Jones said Thursday that hexavalent chromium is among 20 compounds selected in 2008 for review by the agency's Office of Research and Development. Chromium(VI) at high levels can damage the nose and can cause cancer. As an anticorrosive agent, it is also added to stainless steel, which releases hexavalent chromium during welding. Industries with the largest number of workers exposed to high concentrations of airborne hexavalent chromium compounds include electroplating, welding, and chromate painting. When setting a standard, scientists use high animal doses to extrapolate to a lower dose designed to protect people from a 70-year lifetime of exposure. 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