Why Is This Important?

Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soil. It can exist in several different forms. The metal form, chromium(0), is used for making steel. Chromium(VI) and chromium(III) are used for chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient that helps the body use sugar, protein, and fat. Breathing high levels of chromium(VI) can cause irritation and ulceration in the lining of the nose, and difficulty in breathing. Skin contact with chromium(VI) compounds can cause skin ulcers and allergic skin reactions. Chromium(VI) compounds are known human carcinogens. In workers, inhalation of chromium(VI) has been shown to cause lung cancer.

Definition

Mean of modeled annual average chromium(VI) concentration for census tracts in a county

Data Sources

• USEPA Air Toxics Screening Assessment and NJDEP Division of Air Quality
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)
• Air Toxics Screening Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  (https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

None of the New Jersey counties exceed the health benchmark of 0.083 nanograms of chromium(VI) per cubic meter of air.

What Is Being Done?

Industrial facilities that emit this chemical must obtain permits from the NJDEP Air Program and are also subject to state and federal air pollution control technology requirements.

Available Services

To view select air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the United States go to: [http://www.epa.gov/airdata] New Jersey County Risk Ratio tables can be found at the following URL: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/nataest.htm#rrtab]

More Resources

The USEPA Integrated Risk Information System provides more detailed information about chromium and research studies on its health effects at the following URL: [https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris2/chemicalLanding.cfm?substance_nmbr=144] Historic New Jersey Statewide Average 2005 NATA Modeled Air Concentrations and comparisons to health benchmarks can be found at: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airtoxics/Chromium05.htm] Pollution Prevention and Community Right to Know: [http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/factsheets.aspx] NJDEP "What's in My Community?" mapping application: [https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=76194937cbbe46b1ab9a9ec37c7d709b] On the map you will find every facility with an air permit registered with the Division of Air Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.