What are the harms of chromium to human body

Chromium is a metallic element and an important alloy element. It is mainly mixed into steel and alloys in the form of metallic chromium and ferrochrome. It has many uses and is generally used in stainless steel, auto parts, magnetic tapes, etc. This metal can prevent rust when plated on metal equipment. It is both strong and beautiful. It is a rare metal, but metals generally have an impact on our bodies. So what are the hazards of chromium to the human body? Let’s take a look together.

Chromium is a bluish-white polyvalent metal element. Common types include divalent chromium, trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. It is hard and brittle, and resistant to corrosion, so it is often used in stainless steel and other products. At the same time, chromium is also an essential trace element for the human body, but excessive intake of chromium can cause great harm to the human body. Its toxicity is related to its valence state. The toxicity of divalent chromium is very mild, while the toxicity of trivalent chromium is easily manifested in the human body.

If we consume large amounts of trivalent chromium over a long period of time, on the one hand, it will affect our body's antioxidant system, making us prone to chronic oxidative diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand, because the antioxidant system is damaged, we are prone to abnormal proliferative diseases such as tumors.

Compared with trivalent chromium, hexavalent chromium is more toxic, about 100 times more toxic than trivalent chromium. Clinically, the harm of hexavalent chromium and its compounds to the human body usually manifests itself in three aspects. First, it damages the skin, causing dermatitis, pharyngitis, etc.; second, it damages the respiratory system, causing pneumonia, bronchitis and other diseases; third, it damages the digestive system. Accidental ingestion or even long-term contact with chromates can easily cause gastritis, gastric ulcers and intestinal ulcers.

Excessive intake of hexavalent chromium can lead to severe kidney failure and even cancer.

If you are exposed to these high-element chromium ions for a long time, on the one hand, it may damage the function of the renal tubules, which can be seen in animal studies. On the other hand, the occurrence of tumors, especially malignant tumors such as lung cancer and esophageal cancer, is also related to long-term intake of chromium ions.

After reading the above introduction, we understand the harm of chromium to the human body. Now we attach so much importance to physical health and care about the impact of metal on the body. After reading the impact of chromium on the body, we still need to learn more about whether other metal substances have any harm to our body and what impact they can have on us, which can be regarded as gaining more knowledge for ourselves.