Introduction to Hexavalent Chromium in Industrial Coatings

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is widely used in industrial coatings, primers, and metal finishing due to its strong corrosion-resistant properties. During operations such as welding, sanding, grinding, blasting, or cutting, Cr(VI) can be released as dust or fumes, presenting significant occupational health risks.

Because Cr(VI) is highly toxic and often present in older coatings, identifying its presence is critical before any maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities begin. AGT Labs supports proactive identification and monitoring to help reduce exposure and maintain regulatory compliance.

Purpose of Hexavalent Chromium Testing

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is among the most toxic chromium species—linked to lung cancer, nasal irritation, skin ulceration, and allergic sensitization. Typical sources include stainless steel welding, chrome plating, pigment manufacturing, and surface coating.

OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard (29 CFR 1910.1026) requires exposure monitoring when potential exposure exceeds the 2.5 µg/m³ action level (8-hr TWA). AGT Labs measures airborne and surface Cr(VI) to support compliance and protect worker health.

workers performing stainless steel welding, chrome plating, pigment manufacturing, and surface coating opera

Common Applications & Detection Challenges

Cr(VI)-based coatings are found on structural steel, bridges, marine vessels, industrial equipment, railcars, storage tanks, and many older painted surfaces. In many cases, documentation about coating history is unavailable, making identification difficult without technical evaluation.

Multiple paint layers, corrosion, and environmental aging often hide Cr(VI), requiring precise assessment methods to determine where chromium-containing coatings remain in use. Understanding these locations is essential for planning safe removal, repair, or surface preparation activities.

Overview of Hexavalent Chromium Testing Methods

AGT Labs applies NIOSH 7600 (Colorimetric) and NIOSH 7605 (Ion Chromatography) for Cr(VI) collected on stabilized PVC or sodium bicarbonate–impregnated filters.

  • Digestion in phosphate buffer and analysis by IC-UV or spectrophotometry based on required detection limits.
  • Speciation distinguishes Cr(VI) from total chromium with immediate preservation and humidity control.
  • All work follows ISO/IEC 17025 QA/QC with AIHA-LAP proficiency testing.
Photorealistic laboratory scene showing a technician performing Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] testing

Hexavalent Chromium Testing Options

Personal Air Sampling

Breathing-zone samples for welders, platers, and painters.

Area Monitoring

Evaluate airborne Cr(VI) across production or maintenance areas.

Surface Wipe Sampling

Assess residual contamination on work surfaces and PPE.

Task-Based Sampling

Short-duration sampling for high-heat processes (e.g., TIG/MIG).

Ventilation Efficiency Studies

Verify performance of local exhaust and fume capture systems.

Sampling Media & Equipment Supply

  • Impregnated 37 mm PVC filters stabilized for hexavalent chromium
  • Calibrated pumps (≈2 L/min) with flow rotameters
  • Field blanks and protective filter caps
  • Chain-of-custody and calibration sheets
  • Optional paired filters for total chromium comparison

All media are pre-certified for stability and shipped under controlled conditions. Returns are logged through the AGT Labs Client Portal for full traceability.

Sampling Guidelines

  • Maintain pump flow at 2.0 L/min ±5%.
  • Handle filters with non-metallic tweezers to prevent contamination.
  • Collect 4–8 hour TWA samples or task-based short runs as needed.
  • Protect samples from heat and UV post-collection.
  • Include ≥10% field blanks and record environmental conditions.

Monitoring During Work Activities

AGT Labs provides real-time and task-based monitoring during welding, cutting, abrasive blasting, demolition, and surface preparation activities. These measurements help verify whether engineering controls, enclosure systems, and PPE adequately minimize exposure to airborne hexavalent chromium.

Following completion of work, a post-activity evaluation can confirm that airborne concentrations have returned to safe levels, supporting clearance documentation and re-entry decisions.

Accreditation & Standards

NIOSH 7600 / 7605 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1026 ISO/IEC 17025 AIHA-LAP Industrial Hygiene Program

Deliverables & Value-Added Services for Cr(VI) Testing

  • hexavalent chromium concentrations (µg/m³) with LOD/LOQ and uncertainty
  • Comparison to OSHA PEL (5 µg/m³) and Action Level (2.5 µg/m³)
  • QA/QC documentation and calibration traceability
  • Recommendations for fume extraction, PPE, and process controls
  • Compliance summary and retesting interval guidance

Value-Added Services

  • Dual Cr(VI) / total chromium speciation
  • Welding fume elemental fingerprinting
  • Exposure trending and control optimization
  • CIH review and compliance documentation support

Summary

AGT Labs’ Cr(VI) testing delivers accurate, defensible results using stabilized media and accredited analytical methods—supporting OSHA compliance, process safety, and long-term worker protection.

Contact AGT Labs

Reach out to our team for Cr(VI) testing support.

Email: info@agtlabs.com Call: +1 (713) 453-6090
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