Reproductive Health Impacts of Industrial Chemical Pollution: A Focus on Hexavalent Chromium

Abstract

Hexavalent Chromium is a highly toxic and environmentally persistent form of Chromium which has been extensively studied due to its adverse health effects as a result of extensive human exposure. The most biologically relevant forms of chromium are Cr(VI) and trivalent chromium [Cr(III)]. While Cr(III) is a trace nutrient essential to the promotion of insulin action by carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, Cr(VI) is a strong oxidizing agent that is highly soluble and bioavailable accounting for its threat as a human health hazard [9, 14]. The toxicological importance of Cr(VI) allows it to readily cross biological membranes, undergo intracellular reductions, and generate reactive oxygen species that damage DNA, proteins, and cellular membranes. These effects establish the classification of Cr(VI) as a human carcinogen by national and international health agencies [4, 6, 13]. The oral exposure to Cr(VI) causes systemic distribution and genotoxic effects compared to the more direct inhalational exposure; this is relevant to the easier susceptibility of exposure and primary transmission of toxins to the general population [14].