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Oral Chromium Exposure and Toxicity
Hong Sun1, Jason Brocato, Max Costa
1Department of Environmental Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA, Hong.sun@nyumc.org.
Current Environmental Health Reports
|August 2, 2015
Summary
Ingested hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a widespread carcinogen, posing risks beyond occupational inhalation. This review examines Cr(VI) oral toxicity, mechanisms, and future research needs.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a known carcinogen, primarily through inhalation in occupational settings.
- Oral exposure to Cr(VI) is globally prevalent, affecting a larger population segment.
- A 2008 National Toxicology Program study confirmed ingested Cr(VI) carcinogenicity in rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the adverse effects of oral hexavalent chromium exposure.
- To examine the mechanisms underlying Cr(VI) toxicity.
- To identify future research directions in Cr(VI) toxicology.
Main Methods:
- Review of human and animal studies on oral Cr(VI) exposure.
- Analysis of cellular mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity, including oxidative stress and DNA adduct formation.
- Synthesis of current research findings and identification of knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- Ingested Cr(VI) can evade gut reduction, reaching target tissues.
- Cr(VI) is reduced intracellularly to Cr(III), inducing oxidative stress and mediating toxicity.
- Cr(III) intermediates can form DNA adducts, potentially leading to mutations.
Conclusions:
- Oral exposure to hexavalent chromium presents a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity is crucial for risk assessment and mitigation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects and develop effective interventions.
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