What is chromium VI (chromium trioxide)?
Chromium VI is a special form of chromium, also known as hexavalent chromium. The name is due to the hexavalent chromium atom, the chemical formula is Cr(VI).
Chromium 6 is primarily known for its toxic properties and can therefore have a carcinogenic and mutagenic effect. Even inhalation and skin contact can pose health risks and lead to complaints. These include respiratory problems and skin irritation and even long-term complaints such as cancer.
For this reason, a ban on chromium 6 and regulations were introduced to protect both employees and consumers.
Chromium 6 ban 2024 - there is no complete ban!
Ever since there has been talk of a chrome 6 ban, misunderstandings, confusion and false reports have prevailed at numerous companies in various sectors. The fact is: there is no such thing as a complete ban on chromium 6!
Instead, the use of chromium VI is subject to authorization. Companies must therefore apply for authorization in order to continue using chromium VI in the area of surface treatments, for example.
The background: Possible health risks for users and consumers
Chromium VI is known for its toxic properties. This means that the specific form of chromium - also known as hexavalent chromium - can have a potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic effect. It therefore represents a major health risk for people who come into contact with it during the manufacture and use of products, for example.
Due to the increased known danger, the European Union decided to issue strict regulations. The use of chromium is precisely regulated and limited.
This ensures that all processes, workplaces and products within a company comply with precise standards. The aim is therefore to protect employees and consumers.
Which companies and sectors are affected?
Numerous companies from various industries and sectors could be affected by a potential chromium 6 ban and regulations. This applies in particular to those operating in industries where various uses of chromium VI are common. These include above all
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- Electroplating
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- Metal coating & processing
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- Leather production
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- Color and pigment production
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- Automotive industry
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- Aviation industry
Since chrome 6 was added to the list of substances subject to authorization under the REACH regulation, companies have had to apply for authorization. This must provide detailed evidence that the use of chromium VI is safe. In addition, no alternative substances may be possible for certain production processes.
The application for approval is then reviewed by the European Union body. If the application is approved, a temporary authorization is possible. However, such an application is not economically feasible for every company, as the costs for this are regularly in the range of EUR 100,000 to EUR 250,000.
Exposure measurements are also required to avoid a ban on chromium 6
If companies want to prevent the yellow galvanizing process from being banned, for example, exposure measurements are also required. These are mandatory in order to obtain approval for chromium VI.
During such measurements, certain areas are measured that must not exceed the chromium 6 limit value. These include areas such as emissions, waste water and the workplace itself, where there is direct use of chromium VI oxide.
Incidentally, the deadline for the exposure measurements for chromium VI was June 18, 2021. The measurement results then had to be submitted to the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) by December 18, 2021. Repeated annual measurements are also required in order to retain approval and avoid a ban on chromium 6.
The REACH regulation forms the basis for a ban on chromium 6
The basis for a possible ban on chromium 6 is the so-called REACH regulation. This is the European Union's "Registration, Evaluation, Authorizationand Restriction of CHemicals" (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals).
The aim of REACH is to protect health and the environment from risks when using chemicals. It specifies exactly when which chemicals may be used under certain conditions.
The inclusion in the list of substances subject to authorization and the associated possible ban on chromium 6 already took place in 2013. The reason for this was that chromium VI was found to have mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.
Authorizations are possible with the ECHA
If companies want to avoid a chromium 6 ban altogether, they can apply for authorization from the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). In this application, the applicant specifies exactly for which applications chromium VI is used.
This is followed by a review from an economic, ecological and technical perspective. The aforementioned exposure measurements must also be included here. In addition, a certain period of time is set for the authorization during which the substance may continue to be used.
During this period, the company concerned is not subject to a ban on chromium 6 and can continue to use it under the specified conditions.
Plasma polishing as a technological alternative to expensive approval procedures
Chrome-like shine and high hardness? This is already possible today without electroplating. For many companies, the chrome 6 ban is also a reason to question existing process chains and production methods. Plasma polishing is increasingly being discussed here, particularly in the area of decorative applications.
With its unique operating principle, plasma polishing offers high-gloss, clean and smooth surfaces in a single process step - advantages that are already convincing in the medical technology and jewelry industries. However, it also achieves 50% to 100% more GU (gloss units) on stainless steel surfaces than electropolishing, and thus chrome-like brilliance. So why not replace chrome-plated brass with plasma-polished stainless steel? The sharp rise in brass prices and the ban on chrome-6 make this option increasingly attractive.
The combination with a hardening process such as Expanite combines gloss, maximum corrosion resistance and hardening from 900 HV to 1.4301. Both technologies can be combined very economically. Rethinking the process chains is therefore a real alternative to expensive approval procedures and exemptions for chromium-6.
Read more here more about plasma polishing and here more about mirror polishing of stainless steel. Or book an appointment directly with one of our technology experts. We will be happy to advise you.