Chromium is an element that occurs naturally in various minerals, while hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is formed primarily through industrial processes. Exposure to hexavalent chromium can have adverse health effects, such as respiratory cancer, allergies, and asthma. The purpose of the project is to improve the measurement method for hexavalent chromium to determine the exposure to hexavalent chromium among Norwegian workers.
The exposure limit for hexavalent chromium was reduced from 0.005 to 0.001 mg/m³ in 2021. Lower concentrations of hexavalent chromium require new methods for sampling analysis, to accurately determine the exposure. The project will involve validating a method for measuring exposure to hexavalent chromium, to ensure reliable results from Norwegian workplaces.
There are few measurements of hexavalent chromium in the EXPO-database, and there is limited knowledge of the concentrations to which Norwegian workers are exposed. With roughly 150,000 people employed annually who are exposed to metal dust or fumes, many of them may also be exposed to hexavalent chromium. The project will map airborne exposure in selected work environments where exposure to hexavalent chromium is known from experience to occur, e.g., welding, surface treatment (finishing), and concrete work.
Project leader: Johanne Østereng Halvorsen
More information is to be found on the Norwegian project page.