Laboratory testing of airborne dust allows detection of trace amount of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr IV). This method has been developed by our laboratory to ensure the air quality safety of workers who engage in welding, electroplating, chromate painting, or work with portland cement, and are therefore at risk of exposure to hexavalent chromium.
Why Test for Hexavalent Chromium?
Several common manufacturing and metalworking professions use products that may contain high concentrations of metals, including carcinogenic chromates. Industry uses pure chromates in electroplating. But they also cen form at contact of chromim with oxigen of air at extreme temperatures, like steel welding, or manufacturing of cement.
The NIOSH 7600 Testing Method
We employ the recognized standard method for Hexavalent Chromium, NIOSH 7600. This approach includes:
- Sample Collection: You collect hexavalent chromium dust on 37 mm PVC filters, for the duration of the shift to provide a Time Weighted Average (TWA) result. The samples are hen delivered to our laboratory for testing.
- Sample Extraction: Once received at our laboratory, the hexavalent chromium is extracted from the filters.
- UV/Vis Analysis: Using a well-established spectrohotometric detection technique, we analyze the sample to determine the concentration of hexavalent chromium.
- Reporting: Results are provided in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³), which can be directly compared to regulatory limits, such as the Occupational Exposure Limit for Ontario for Hexavalent Chromium (0.05 mg/m³).
Who Should Consider This Test?
If your workplace uses portland cement, or engages in welding, electroplating, or chromate painting (such as painting aluminum and its alloys) and is concerned about potential exposure to hexavalent chromium, this service is ideal for you. For more information, shipping instructions, or to discuss your testing needs, please contact LCS Laboratory Inc. ©
