Calcium dichromate

Synonyms

Calcium chromate; Calcium dichromate(VI); Chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), calcium salt (1:1); Chromic acid, calcium salt (1:1) (9CI); Dichromic acid, calcium salt (1:1); [ChemIDplus] Calcium bichromate; [Merck Index]

Category

Chromium Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Trihydrate: Brownish-red deliquescent solid; Soluble in water; [Hawley] Trihydrate: orange-red solid; Not hygroscopic if pure; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Used as corrosion inhibitor, catalyst, and to make other chromium compounds; [Hawley]

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] Readily forms hydrates: hexahydrate at <10 deg C, pentahydrate at 20-40 deg C, pentahydrate at 50-60 deg C, and the monohydrate at >70 deg C; [Ullmann] See "Chromium" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Yes

0.0002 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)

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