The carcinogenicity of chromium (7440473) was investigated among chromate factory workers. The autopsy results of three workers who died of lung cancer and were hired between 1931 and 1932 were examined. The first case described a man who worked as a welder for 15 years. Cumulative exposures to chromium were 2.85mg/m3 years for insoluble chromium, 0.60mg/m3 years for soluble chromium, and 3.45mg/m3 years for total chromium. Chromium concentrations in the left lung ranged from 330+/-10 to 456+/-10 micrograms per 10 grams of tissue (microg/10g). The second case described a man who worked for the factory for 10.2 years. Cumulative exposures to chromium were 3.26mg/m3 years for insoluble chromium, 1.33mg/m3 years for soluble chromium, and 4.59mg/m3 years for total chromium. Although 18 years had passed since the last exposure, chromium concentrations in the lungs ranged from 30.4+/-1.8 in the left lung to 126+/-1.8microg/10g in the right lung. Within a tumor in the left lung, chromium concentration was as high as 178+/-9.0microg/10g. Chromium was detected in the heart and aorta 18 years after exposure and in the blood 17 years after exposure. The third case involved a man who worked for 31.8 years in ore mill, ore preparation, and boiler operations. Cumulative chromium exposures were 10.74mg/m3 years for insoluble chromium, 0.63mg/m3 years for soluble chromium, and 11.38mg/m3 years for total chromium. Chromium lung concentrations ranged from 1,150microg/10g in the left lung to 1,920microg/10g in the right lower lobe. Nine months before his death, a chromium level of 2,060microg/10g was detected in the right middle lobe. A chromium concentration of 4,280microg/10g was found in the left hilar node. Chromium was also observed in the testicle, heart, aorta, and blood. The author concludes that the above findings demonstrate the carcinogenic effects of chromium exposure.

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