Sodium dichromate

Sensitisation data (human)

Administrative data

Endpoint:

sensitisation data (humans)

Type of information:

migrated information: read-across based on grouping of substances (category approach)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Thresholds for induction are not reported and quantitative extrapolation to all substances in the group is not possible

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

other: review

Title:

European Union Risk Assessment Report: chromium trioxide, sodium chromate, sodium dichromate, ammonium dichromate and potassium dichromate

Author:

European Chemicals Bureau

Year:

2005

Bibliographic source:

3rd. Priority List; Volume 53

Materials and methods

Type of sensitisation studied:

respiratory

Study type:

other: Review

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Not applicable. The EU RAR summarises a number of reports of respiratory sensitisation (occupational asthma) following exposure to water-soluble Cr (VI) compounds.

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks:

Not applicable

Method

Type of population:

occupational

Controls:

None

Route of administration:

inhalation

Results and discussion

Results of examinations:

Asthma arising from exposure to Cr(VI) was first suggested in the 19th century. A number of case reports, mainly within the chrome plating industry, provide evidence that inhaled Cr (VI) can cause asthma, although the total number of reported cases is small in relation to the number of workers potentially exposed. Positive findings are available from several well-conducted bronchial challenge tests.

Any other information on results incl. tables

The available case reports and evidence from well-conducted bronchial challenge tests, show that inhalation of Cr (VI) compounds can cause occupational asthma.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

The available case reports and evidence from well-conducted bronchial challenge tests, show that inhalation of Cr (VI) compounds can cause occupational asthma. As with skin, Cr (VI)- sensitised subjects may react to Cr (III). It is not possible to determine a no-effect level or exposure-response relationship for the induction or elicitation of occupational asthma.

Executive summary:

Several cases of occupational asthma have been reported in workers exposed to Cr (VI) compounds; in some reports, subjects were investigated using bronchial challenge tests. The data show that Cr (VI) compounds have the potential to cause respirstory sensitisation, however it is notable that the number of case reports is relatively low compared to the number of workers occupationally exposed.