Is Chromium(III) chloride safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants are extremely vulnerable to Chromium(III) chloride due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
What is chromium(iii) chloride?
Also known as: Chromic chloride hexahydrate, chromium(3+) trichloride hexahydrate, chlorure de chrome hexahydraté, chrome (chlorure de) hexahydraté.
- CAS number
- 10060-12-5
- Molecular formula
- Cl3Cr
- Molecular weight
- 158.35 g/mol
- SMILES
- O.O.O.O.O.O.Cl[Cr](Cl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 24808
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants are extremely vulnerable to Chromium(III) chloride due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
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
High riskPregnancy increases vulnerability to Chromium(III) chloride. Heavy metals cross the placenta, accumulate in fetal tissue, and interfere with neurodevelopment. Maternal bone resorption during pregnancy mobilizes stored metals.
Known reproductive toxicant (GHS H360) or confirmed endocrine disruptor. Placental transfer is presumed. Fetal exposure during critical developmental windows may cause structural malformations, growth restriction, or functional deficits.
Regulatory consensus
3 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Chromium(III) chloride. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 1990 | Group 3 — Chromium(III) compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (IARC Monograph Volume 49, 1990); chromium(III) chloride (CrCl3) is a trivalent chromium salt with inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans and inadequate or limited evidence in animals; the essential nutrient status and poor membrane permeability of Cr(III) underlie the Group 3 classification; EU CLP classified for reproductive toxicity (H361) and eye irritation but not carcinogenicity | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (single report) (Ames: None, 1 positive / 1 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (single report) (Ames: None, 1 positive / 1 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 chromium(iii) chloride
- Contaminated Water — Mining site runoff, Industrial discharge areas, Drinking water from old infrastructure
- Soil Contamination — Industrial sites, Smelter areas, Battery recycling facilities
- Food Chain — Fish from contaminated waters, Shellfish from polluted areas, Crops grown in contaminated soil
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Chromium(III) chloride:
-
Exposure reduction (no chemical substitute)
Trade-offs: Exposure reduction does not eliminate the hazard but lowers risk to acceptable levels when alternatives are not available or practical. Requires ongoing monitoring and compliance.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is chromium(iii) chloride safe for kids?
Infants are extremely vulnerable to Chromium(III) chloride due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
What products contain chromium(iii) chloride?
Chromium(III) chloride appears in: Mining site runoff (Contaminated water); Industrial discharge areas (Contaminated water); Industrial sites (Soil contamination); Smelter areas (Soil contamination); Fish from contaminated waters (Food chain).
What should I do if my child is exposed to chromium(iii) chloride?
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.
Why do regulators disagree about chromium(iii) chloride?
Chromium(III) chloride has been classified by 3 agencies including IARC, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, with differing conclusions. 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. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Chromium(III) chloride in the baby app
Look up products containing chromium(iii) chloride, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- IARC Group 3 Chromium III Compounds Vol 49 1990; Chrome Tanning Leather EU Cr(VI) Limit 3 mg/kg REACH Article 65; Chromodulin Insulin Potentiation Essential Trace Element DRI 25-35 μg/day; Cr(III) Poor Membrane Permeability vs Cr(VI) Anion Transporter; Cr(III) Oxidation Cr(VI) Manganese Oxide Soil; EU CLP Repr 2 H361 Suspected Reproductive Toxicant; Chromium Picolinate Supplement EFSA 2010; Leather Tannery Effluent WWTP Cr(OH)3 Precipitation (1990) — regulatory
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 →