No changes will be made to the list of adverse health effects that may be caused by exposure to chromium (VI) in the workplace. According to RIVM, the latest scientific literature has resulted in no new insights. Also, additional research did not identify new links between chromium (VI) and various forms of cancer. This is the third time RIVM has published this scientific literature update.
Keeping knowledge up to date
In 2018, RIVM published an adverse health effect list. This is a list of diseases and other health effects that may be caused by exposure to chromium (VI) in the workplace. RIVM regularly assesses whether new scientific research has given cause to update the adverse health effect list. This keeps RIVM’s knowledge about potential links between chromium (VI) and disease up to date.
Reason for research into chromium (VI)
In the past, workers were exposed to chromium (VI) in several workplaces in the Netherlands. These workers were not always adequately protected, and some of them developed health problems. For this reason, RIVM has conducted research into chromium (VI) exposure at the Ministry of Defence, at NS and in the municipality of Tilburg. Whether workers developed or will develop health problems also depends on the manner in which they were exposed to chromium (VI). Other factors also play a role, such as possible exposure to chromium (VI) in other workplaces, exposure to other substances, lifestyle and personal vulnerability.