An environmental hazard assessment of low-level dermal exposure to hexavalent chromium in solution among chromium-sensitized volunteers

To evaluate the potential for elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis fr om contact with standing water in the environment, 26 pc-sons known to be a llergic to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] were exposed to 25 to 28 mg/L Cr(VI ) by immersion of one arm for 30 minutes per day on 3 consecutive days in a potassium dichromate bath. Sixteen of the 26 volunteers demonstrated eithe r no or an equivocal response to the Cr(VI) challenge. Ten of the volunteer s developed a few papules or vesicles (I to approximately 15), mild redness , and pruritus on the Cr(VI)-challenged arm. Histopathological examination of the papules revealed spongiosis and perieccrine and perivascular inflamm ation, The responses were diagnosed as acute perieccrine reactions. It was concluded that exposure to similar concentrations of Cr(VI) in the environm ent does not pose an allergic contact dermatitis hazard, even to Cr-sensiti zed persons.