Potassium dichromate

Synonyms

Bichromate of potash; Chromium potassium oxide (K2Cr2O7); Dichromic acid dipotassium salt; Dipotassium bichromate; Dipotassium dichromate; Dipotassium dichromium heptaoxide; Iopezite; Kaliumdichromat [German]; Potassium bichromate; Potassium chromate (K2Cr2O7); Potassium dichromate; Potassium dichromate (K2(Cr2O7)); Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7); Potassium dichromate(VI); SRM 935a; [ChemIDplus] UN1479

Category

Chromium Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Bright orange-red crystals; [ChemIDplus] Sparingly soluble in water at 20 deg C; [ACGIH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a dry cell depolarizer and in dyeing, staining, leather tanning, bleaching, and oxidizing; Also used in medical practice as an external astringent, antiseptic, and caustic; [ChemIDplus] Used with tungsten and iron in pyrotechnic displays; [CAMEO] Used in painting, printing, wood staining, fabric waterproofing, and corrosion inhibiting; also used to make safety matches and to bleach palm oil, wax, and sponges; [Merck Index] Used as an intensifier in photographic development; Also used as a mordant in textile dyeing; [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]

Comments

CrVI compounds are irritants, sensitizers, and may be corrosive to the skin. CrVI compounds are respiratory tract irritants and may cause pulmonary sensitization. CrVI may cause acute tubular necrosis and liver injury. [ATSDR Case Studies] Corrosive to skin; [CAMEO] A hexavalent chromium compound; [CHEMINFO] See "Chromium" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.0001 mg/m3, as Cr(VI), inhalable particulate matter

0.0005 mg/m3, as Cr(VI), inhalable particulate matter

0.005 mg/m3, as Cr(VI)

LC50 (rat) = 99 mg/m3/4 hr; [CHEMINFO]

will not burn

Yes

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Established

Human carcinogen

Confirmed Human

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Chromium, chronic toxic effect
• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Battery Manufacturing
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Photographic Processing
• Silk-Screen Printing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas
• Textile arts