Comparative toxicity of trivalent and hexavalent chromium

The effects of trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds on rabbits were studied to determine the toxic potentials of two forms of chromium to which industrial workers and miners may be exposed. Both forms of chromium altered the levels of certain important chemical constituents of blood and serum and produced significant morphological changes in the liver, but the hexavalent form had a greater effect. Although hexavalent chromium far exceeds the trivalent form in toxic potential, sufficient care must also be taken to avoid occupational exposure to trivalent compounds, especially water soluble chromium compounds.