Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI)
Heavy metalIARC Group 1A highly toxic form of chromium from welding, plating, paints, and the Qarmat Ali site (Iraq, 2003).
Where it comes from in service
Welding stainless steel, chrome plating, primer paints, and documented exposure at the Qarmat Ali water-treatment plant.
How it harms the body
Inhaled Cr-VI is a potent lung carcinogen and a strong irritant to the airways, sinuses, and skin.
It generates oxidative damage and harms DNA in the cells lining the airway.
How long it stays in you
Cleared relatively quickly, but the airway and DNA damage from inhalation can be lasting.
IARC lists Cr-VI as a known lung carcinogen; the VA established a Qarmat Ali surveillance program for exposed service members.
Long-term lung-cancer risk and chronic airway/sinus injury make documentation and screening important.
What to ask your clinician about
- •Pulmonary function testing and chest imaging
- •Enrollment in the VA Qarmat Ali surveillance program if eligible
Bring this to your clinician and your VSO — they decide what testing and care, if any, is right for you. For general, whole-person ways to support your body, see Whole health.
Sources: ATSDR ToxFAQs: Chromium · IARC Group 1 · VA Qarmat Ali program. Drafted from the government's and science's own record — VA presumptive lists (PACT Act, 38 CFR, Camp Lejeune), ATSDR ToxFAQs, IARC, and NTP. Sources are cited on every page, and this library has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician or toxicologist. This is documentation to bring to your clinician and VSO — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a determination of service connection. Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1.