Current Usage

 ESOH IssuesCr⁶⁺ (CrVI, hexavalent chromium) is a known carcinogen that is strongly regulated under:·         EPA Clean Air Act regulations·         OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺ Permissible Exposure Limit is currently 5 μgm^-3)·         European regulations (RoHS and REACH)·         DoD Policy Memorandum on Minimizing the Use of Hexavalent Chromium ExposurePersonnel may be exposed at the OEM level and during depot level overhaul and repair.·         OEM and depot personnel may be exposed during anodizing (electrolytic tank) and sealing (dip and spray) processes for components and for repaint operations. Emission controls and PPE are required during these processes.·         Maintainers are exposed to chromate sealer in scuff sand and paint operations. PPE is required during these operations. Note that chromic acid anodize layers, like all anodize layers, are oxides that are not hazardous. Exposures come only from the chromic acid anodizing process and the chromate sealers.Alternatives, Applications, StatusPrimary alternatives are other acids, such as sulfuric and boric acids. Alternatives are commercially available and some have been authorized and implemented. 

  For detailed technical and performance information, validations, authorizations and implementations see Surface Engineering Database. Search for Chromic Acid Anodize Alternatives.