Hexavalent Chromium is a Concern for Illinois Companies

Nov. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Last year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitored the air at Saint Josaphat School in Chicago, Illinois.   According to the EPA website, “EPA selected this school for monitoring because it is located near a steel production facility and a leather manufacturer that are sources of air toxics emissions. Computer models were used to determine which air toxics may be present at elevated levels in the outdoor air near the school. These models showed that hexavalent chromium, lead, and manganese could be present in the air around the school and prompted EPA to test to see if the levels present may be of concern.”

Hexavalent chromium is known to be a human carcinogen via inhalation exposure.  The compounds are a group of chemical substances that contain the metallic element chromium in its positive-6 valence (hexavalent) state. Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) occur during the production of stainless steel, chromate chemicals, and chromate pigments. Cr(VI) exposures also occur during other work activities such as stainless steel welding, thermal cutting, chrome plating, painting and coating processes.

A leading provider of hexavalent chromium testing services to ensure healthy outdoor and indoor air quality (IAQ) in Chicago and across Illinois is EC2, Inc.  “According to NIOSH an increased risk of lung cancer has been demonstrated in workers exposed to Cr(VI) compounds. Other adverse health effects associated with Cr(VI) exposure include dermal irritation, skin ulceration, allergic contact dermatitis, occupational asthma, nasal irritation and ulceration, perforated nasal septa, rhinitis, nosebleed, respiratory irritation, nasal cancer, sinus cancer, eye irritation and damage, perforated eardrums, kidney damage, liver damage, pulmonary congestion and edema, epigastric pain, and erosion and discoloration of the teeth,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2.  “At EC2 we have the expertise to ensure workers and the public are not being exposed to this carcinogen.”

To learn more about hexavalent chromium, IAQ or other environmental testing services please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.