Metal plating workers are exposed to various metals during their occupational activities. Chromium (Cr) compounds are widely used in various industrial applications. The most abundant forms in the environment are trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) compounds, which originate from geogenic sources and anthropogenic activities. The general human population is exposed to Cr mainly through the consumption of food and Cr(III) food supplements. Conversely, the carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is primarily present as an industrial contaminant. Cr(VI) compounds are extremely toxic. They cause severe dermatitis and exhibit mutagenic and carcinogenic effects on living organisms. To minimize health risks, it is necessary to understand the pathways of cycling, transformation, fate, and toxicity of chromium at the workplace and in the human body. To protect the general population from potential emissions of Cr(VI) from chrome plants and to prevent negative impacts on human health and the environment, monitoring the cycling and transformation of chromium species in the outdoor environment and potentially exposed populations is essential.

The fate of Cr(VI) from industrial and urban sources will be investigated to evaluate the potential impacts of the toxic Cr on human health and the environment. This research will trace the pathways of Cr(VI) reduction in red blood cells and interactions of Cr(III) with serum proteins using whole blood samples from both unexposed and occupationally exposed individuals. The reduction process of Cr(VI) in plants and soil will also be studied using enriched isotopic tracers. Additionally, new analytical protocols will be developed for determining the total concentrations of Cr and Cr(VI) in inhalable, respirable, ultra-respirable, nanosized, and dissolved air particulate matter fractions in both indoor and outdoor workplace air. The results will help to identify the potential health hazard to chrome electroplating workers.

To achieve the project goals, the project with a duration of 24 months (M) will be organized into 5 work packages (WP), consisting of corresponding tasks and providing related deliverables.

WP1 – Development of analytical methods and protocols (M1-M14)

WP2 – Monitoring of Cr(VI) at the workplace, in the human body, and the environment (M1-M16)

WP3 – Data evaluation and recommendations (M16 – M24)

WP4 – Communication, dissemination, and outreach (M1-M24)

WP5 – Coordination (M1-M24)

The interconnection of the activities envisaged in the proposed project is shown in the graph.

Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Ljubljana, Slovenia:
Stefan Marković - 57296: Leader

SICRIS PROJECT WEBPAGE

CO-FINANCED BY:

Center for clinical toxicology and pharmacology