- Author
- Post, M. A. | Campbell, P. G.
- Title
- Lead Chromate Pigments: A Literature Survey on Environmental and Toxic Effects.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBSIR 80-1974, February 1980, 42 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- air pollution | chromate ore | environmental effects | lead chromate pogments | storm water runoff | toxicity | water pollution
- Abstract
- In connection with an evaluation of the performance of possible alternative yellow pigments, a literature search was made on the toxicity and environmental effects of lead chromate pigments. The literature reveals that workers in chromate plants in the U.S., Europe and Japan have had a high incidence of lung cancer as well as other respiratory ailments. Further, reports on the biological interactions of chromium show that chromium in its hexavalent state (chromate, dischromate) penetrates body membranes such as skin and the walls of red blood cells and is subsequently reduced to the trivalent state and complexed with organic molecules. While the carcinogen in the chromate manufacturing process has not been identified, animal experiments have shown that calcium chromate can produce cancer in rats. Information is presented on sources of chromium in air and water pollution. Also, the pollution aspects of lead and chromium in storm water runoff and as street contaminants are reviewed.