| GHS classification | DangerH272: May intensify fireoxidizer [Danger Oxidizing liquidsOxidizing solids]P203, P210, P220, P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)H272 (99.5%): May intensify fireP203, P210, P220, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) |
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| Regulatory information | Chemical: Chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), diammonium saltHazard Traits - CarcinogenicityGenotoxicityReproductive ToxicityRespiratory ToxicityREACH registered substance: Ammonium dichromate (EC: 232-143-1)Restricted substance: Ammonium dichromateSubstance: Ammonium dichromateChromic acid, diammonium salt: HSNO Approval: HSR001309 Approved with controls |
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| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Chromates and dichromates (soluble): Human health tier II assessment |
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| DOT label | Oxidizer |
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| Fire hazards | Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Greenish chromic oxide smoke may cause irritation of lungs and mucous membranes.· These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances. |
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| Fire potential | Moderately flammable. |
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| Health hazards | Inhalation causes irritation or ulceration of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat or respiratory tract. Respiratory irritation can produce symptoms resembling those of asthma. Continuing irritation of the nose may lead to perforation of the nasal septum. External contact can cause eye irritation and conjunctivitis, irritation and ulceration of skin wounds, and rash or external ulcers. If ingested, irritates mucous membrane and causes vomiting. (USCG, 1999)· Toxic by ingestion. |
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| Hazards summary | A strong oxidizing agent that is a skin and eye irritant, a dangerous fire risk, and potentially explosive if in contact with organic substances[Hawley] A skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant[HSDB] May cause asthma, perforation of the nasal septum, and skin ulcers[CAMEO] Explosion hazardAn irritantMay cause serious eye injuryMay cause skin and respiratory sensitization after prolonged contact[MSDSonline] See Chromium and linked occupational diseases. |
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| DOT ID and guide | 1439 141 |
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| Reactive group | Salts, Acidic |
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| EC classification | Symbol: E, T+, NR: 45-46-60-61-2-8-21-25-26-34-42/43-48/23-50/53S: 53-45-60-61Note: E, 3 |
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| UN classification | UN Hazard Class: 5.1UN Pack Group: II |
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| Special Reports | DHHS/ATSDRToxicological profile for chromium (September 2012).[DHHS/ATSDRToxicological profile for chromium (September 2012)Available from, as of February 8, 2016: ww.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp7.pdf] |
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| Fire fighting | Excerpt from ERG Guide 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. |
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| First aid measures | Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention .First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . |
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| Accidental release measures | · CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.· Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. |
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| First aid | INHALATION: remove to clean air and summon medical attention.General First Aid: |
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| Safe storage | Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from organic solvents, combustible substances and reducing agents. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. |
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| Exposure control and personal protection | · Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). |
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| Fire fighting procedures | Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.Use water spray to cool unopened containers.Fire fighting phases: Use flooding amount of water.For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for AMMONIUM DICHROMATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Storage conditions | Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.Separate from acids, combustibles, alcohols, and reducing agents. |
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| Cleanup methods | ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dustEnvironmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoidedMethods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wetbrushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.Environmental considerations: Land Spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.Environmental considerations: Water Spill: Add sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3). Neutralize with agricultural lime (CaO), crushed limestone (CaCO3), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).Spill or leak procedures: Blanket spill with dry sand, clay, or ground limestone. Place material in noncombustible containers. Immediately remove and properly dispose of any spilled material.For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for AMMONIUM DICHROMATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Nonfire spill response | Excerpt from ERG Guide 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]: |
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| Disposal methods | Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D007, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. /Chromium/Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubberContaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated for chromium: Concentration process: Biological Treatment. /Chromium/For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for AMMONIUM DICHROMATE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Spillage disposal | Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered non-combustible containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. |
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| Treatment | There is no know antidote for chromium poisoning. Exposure is usually handled with symptomatic treatment. (L16) |
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| Health effects | Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. Chronic inhalation especially has been linked to lung cancer. Hexavalent chromium has also been know to cause reproductive and developmental defects. (A12) |
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| Ecotoxicity values | IL50 /Inhibitory Level/ Eurasian Watermilfoil 1.9, 2.6, 8.0 and 9.5 ppm chromate for root weight, stem weight, root length, and stem length, respectively.LC50Species: Gambusia affinis (Western Mosquitofish)Conditions: freshwater, static, 18-20 °C, pH 5.7-7.4Concentration: 223000 ug/L for 24 hrConcentration: 212000 ug/L for 48 hrConcentration: 136000 ug/L for 96 hr |
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| Adverse effects | Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation. |
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| Exposure routes | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.Inhalation (L16)oral (L16)dermal (L16) |
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| Toxicity summary | IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Ammonium dichromate is a solid at 15 °C and 1 atm, forming orange needles. It is not registered for current pesticide use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. It is used as a source of pure nitrogen (especially in the laboratory)in pyrotechnics (Vesuvius fire)in lithography and photo engravingin special mordant, catalysts, and porcelain finishedintermediate in the manufacturing of pigmentsof magnetic recording materials. It is also used as an oxidimentric standard in analytical chemistry. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Highly corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, violent gastroenteritis with cholera-like stools, peripheral vascular collapse, vertigo, muscle cramps, coma, hemorrhagic diathesis, fever, liver damage & acute renal failure. Methemoglobinemia is probably secondary to intravascular hemolysis. It has been reported in the literature that the ingestion of ammonium dichromate by a child resulted in multiple-organ-system failure and death. Exchange transfusion and hemodialysis were ineffective in removing significant amounts of chromium or causing sustained clinical improvement. In an industrial setting, workers exposed to ammonium dichromate were clinically examined, and 9 of 18 showed dermatitis on the back of the hands and forearms. Three of these workers were transferred and were cured of their dermatitis. ANIMAL STUDIES: Experiments on rats showed inhalation of dust caused edema in perivascular and peribronchial tissue. Ammonium dichromate caused more pronounced changes than did sodium dichromate. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Strong irritant. Ammonium toxicity stems from unionized fraction. Chromium will usually be the allergen and limiting factor of the twoHighly toxic by ingestion or inhalation. Threshold concentration for fresh and saltwater fish: 0.05 ppm Cr(VI). Threshold concentration for free ammonia to fish: 0.5 ppm Cr(VI). Toxic to plants.Hexavalent chromium's carcinogenic effects are caused by its metabolites, pentavalent and trivalent chromium. The DNA damage may be caused by hydroxyl radicals produced during reoxidation of pentavalent chromium by hydrogen peroxide molecules present in the cell. Trivalent chromium may also form complexes with peptides, proteins, and DNA, resulting in DNA-protein crosslinks, DNA strand breaks, DNA-DNA interstrand crosslinks, chromium-DNA adducts, chromosomal aberrations and alterations in cellular signaling pathways. It has been shown to induce carcinogenesis by overstimulating cellular regulatory pathways and increasing peroxide levels by activating certain mitogen-activated protein kinases. It can also cause transcriptional repression by cross-linking histone deacetylase 1-DNA methyltransferase 1 complexes to CYP1A1 promoter chromatin, inhibiting histone modification. Chromium may increase its own toxicity by modifying metal regulatory transcription factor 1, causing the inhibition of zinc-induced metallothionein transcription. (A12, L16, A34, A35, A36) |
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| Ecotoxicity excerpts | /AQUATIC SPECIES/ Acute Hazard Level: Strong irritant. Ammonium toxicity stems from unionized fraction. Chromium will usually be the allergen and limiting factor of the twoHighly toxic by ingestion or inhalation. Threshold concentration for fresh and saltwater fish: 0.05 ppm Cr(VI). Threshold concentration for free ammonia to fish: 0.5 ppm Cr(VI). Toxic to plants. |
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| Signs and Symptoms | Burning sensation. Sore throat. Cough. Wheezing. Laboured breathing.Redness. Pain. Skin burns.Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.Nausea. Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse.Breathing hexavalent chromium can cause irritation to the lining of the nose, nose ulcers, runny nose, and breathing problems, such as asthma, cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing. Ingestion of hexavalent chromium causes irritation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, as well as anemia. Skin contact can cause skin ulcers. (L16) |
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| ICSC Environmental Data | The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. |
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| Human Toxicity Excerpts | /HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ An outbreak of dermatitis occurred in the Flow Coat sector of a large and modern color television factory. After investigating the working procedures in this area, a risk of contamination of the skin and clothing with ammonium dichromate was found when ammonium dichromate was weighed and mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). All of the workers involved in this process were clinically examined9 of 18 showed dermatitis to the back of the hands and forearms. Three of these workers were transferred from the sector and were cured of their dermatitis. Patch tests were carried out using 40 allergens, including those used in the Flow Coat process. The tests for PVA and for the phosphorescent blue, green, and red pigments gave negative results at the three concentrations tested. A high incidence of sensitization was found9 of 18 (50%) of the workers were found to be sensitized to ammonium dichromate, which is used as a fixer. The preventive measures adopted consisted of improving the quality of the personal protective equipment (PPE) and transferring the weighing and mixing of dichromate to the company laboratory. During the next 18 months, there were no new cases of dermatitis in the Flow Coat sector./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Symptomatology (after ingestion or skin contact): 1) Corrosion of mucous membranes of mouth, throat, and esophagus, with immediate pain and dysphagia. The necrotic areas are at first grayish white but soon acquire a blackish discoloration and sometimes a shrunken or wrinkled textureThe process is described as a "coagulation necrosis." 2) Epigastric pain, which may be associated with nausea and the vomiting of mucoid and "coffee-ground" material. At times, gastric hemorrhage may be intense, and the vomitus then contains fresh blood. Profound thirst. 3) Ulceration of all membranes and tissues with which the acid comes in contact ... 4) Circulatory collapse with clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, shallow respirations, and scanty urine. Circulatory shock is often the immediate cause of death. 5) Asphyxial death due to glottic edema. 6) Late esophageal, gastric and pyloric strictures and stenoses, which may require major surgical repair, should be anticipated. Signs of obstruction commonly appear within a few weeks but may be delayed for months and even years. Permanent scars may also appear in the cornea, skin and oropharynx. 7) Uncorrected circulatory collapse of several hours' duration may lead to renal failure and ischemic lesions in the liver and heart. /Acids//SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Highly corrosive to skin & mucous membranes ... if ingested, violent gastroenteritis with cholera-like stools, peripheral vascular collapse, vertigo, muscle cramps, coma, hemorrhagic diathesis, fever, liver damage & acute renal failure. Methemoglobinemia is probably secondary to intravascular hemolysis./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Eye contact can cause severe damage with possible loss of vision.For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for AMMONIUM DICHROMATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Artificial Pollution Sources | Ammonium dichromate's production and use in dyeing, pigments, manufacturing of alizarin, chrome alum, oil purification, pickling, manufacture of catalysts, leather tanning, synthetic perfumes, photography, process engraving and lithography, chromic oxide and pyrotechnics(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use in pyrotechnics will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Its former use as a pesticide(2) resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC). |
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| Carcinogen Classification | 1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135) |
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| RCRA requirements | D007A solid waste containing chromium may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Chromium/ |
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| Atmospheric standards | ... Substances for which a Federal Register notice has been published that included consideration of the serious health effects, including cancer, from ambient air exposure to the substance. Chromium is included on this list. /Chromium/Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Chromium compounds is included on this list. /Chromium compounds/ |
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| CERCLA reportable quantities | Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b). |
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| Clean Water Act requirements | Ammonium bichromate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Chromium and compounds/ |
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| State Drinking Water Standards | (CA) CALIFORNIA 10 ug/L /Hexavalent Chromium/ |
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| State drinking water guidelines | (ME) MAINE 35 ug/L /Cr VI) |
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| Federal Drinking Water Standards | Maximum contaminant level for inorganic contaminants: Contaminant: ChromiumMCL 0.1 mg/L. /Chromium/ |
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| Federal drinking water guidelines | Maximum contaminant level goal for inorganic contaminants: Contaminant: ChromiumMCLG 0.1 mg/L. /Chromium/ |
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