Challenges to estimating and managing risks with hexavalent chromium exposure: a mixed-methods study of Swedish workplaces.

ABSTRACT: Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed understanding of risks from exposure to the non-threshold carcinogen hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) among workers (n = 113) and occupational health and safety managers (n = 13) at 14 worksites with potential exposure to Cr(VI). We found that 55% of the workers had a measurable concentration of inhalable Cr(VI), with 19% exceeding 1 µg/m3, a level that corresponds to an "upper risk level" for future EU binding occupational exposure limits over a working lifetime. Additionally, 52% of workers had red blood cell (RBC) Cr concentrations exceeding the 95th percentile of an unexposed control group. Among responding workers (n = 91), 35% reported to perceive to be at no or low risk due to Cr(VI) exposure, 47% to be at some or large risk while 18% stated t

SUBMITTER: Schenk L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313444 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature