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Emission Factors & Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium is a chemical that gets emitted into the air during chrome plating, anodizing with chromic acid and welding chromium steel. It is a known carcinogen and irritant whose dangers were highlighted in the 2000 film, "Erin Brockovich."

  1. History

    • Hexavalent chromium is regulated by the state of California, among other states, as an airborne toxic hazard. Plants that generate hexavalent chromium are required to give notice to local residents that they may be at risk of exposure to the toxin. Workers are also required under Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations to be made aware of the risks. The amount of risk is determined by the emission factor.

    Function

    • Emission factor is stated as the amount of chromium emitted in a test tank divided by the ampere-hours of electricity used to gather chromium emissions into the test tank. This estimates the amount of airborne emissions being produced by a plant or process.

    Significance

    • The higher the emission factor, the greater the risk of exposure, and the greater the occurrence of health issues associated with hexavalent chromium in anyone who is in the exposure area.

    Considerations

    • The emissions factor is important because it determines whether a plant is operating unsafely and should be penalized or fined. It also determines whether a company is producing enough of a risk that it needs to alert the local community.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Anti-mist additives or systems are used to keep the emissions factors down and are required by states such as California for the protection of workers and the community.

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