[Chromium carcinogenicity]

Chromium belongs to the group of trace elements hich are essential in numerous functions of the human body. Chromium deficiency may be responsible for various dysfunctions, whereas exposure to chromium at higher concentrations is toxic and may lead to the occurrence of neoplastic diseases. Epidemiological studies of chromium exposure proved its carcinogenity, and thus the IARC recognised Cr(VI) and its compounds as one of ascertained carcinogens. Some findings of these studies were reviewed in the first part of this work. The second part presents some molecular aspects of chromium carcinogenity which are still the subject of medical research. The direct and indirect effects of chromium and its compounds on DNA are analysed as are the relationships between the level of chromium oxidation and carcinogenity, and between the presence of reductants and the kind of DNA damage. Methods for the assessment of chromium mutagenity and genotoxicity are also discussed, and special attention is paid to tests of mutation in bacteria and yeast as well as to sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test.