Is Basic chromium sulfate safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Basic chromium sulfate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is basic chromium sulfate?
The IUPAC name is chromium(3+);hydrogen sulfate.
Also known as: chromium(3+);hydrogen sulfate, CID 21414113, SCHEMBL10423539, Chromium hydroxide sulfate (Cr(OH)(SO4)).
- IUPAC name
- chromium(3+);hydrogen sulfate
- CAS number
- 39380-78-4
- Molecular formula
- CrH3O12S3
- Molecular weight
- 343.2 g/mol
- SMILES
- [OH-].[Cr+3].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O
- PubChem CID
- 21414113
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants are more vulnerable to Basic chromium sulfate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Basic chromium sulfate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Basic chromium sulfate.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 2 negative reports) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter basic chromium sulfate
- Industrial — Leather tanning, Chrome-tanned leather, Leather goods
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Basic chromium sulfate:
-
Mineral-based or plant-derived pigments
Trade-offs: Narrower color range. May fade faster than synthetic pigments.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is basic chromium sulfate safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Basic chromium sulfate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain basic chromium sulfate?
Basic chromium sulfate appears in: Leather tanning (Industrial); Chrome-tanned leather (Industrial).
What should I do if my child is exposed to basic chromium sulfate?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See Basic chromium sulfate in the baby app
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Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →