The deadlines for the approval decision for the continued use of chromium trioxide (chromium (VI) oxide) will expire shortly. Companies that continue to use chromium VI must have carried out the prescribed measurements by June 18, 2021, remind the pollutant experts at the DEKRA measuring body. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) needs the measurement results for the authorization decisions by the end of this year.
In 2013, chromium trioxide (chromium(VI) oxide) was added to the list of substances subject to authorization under the REACH Regulation due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. The substance is mainly used in surface treatments - to increase corrosion protection or to create visually appealing surfaces.
The ban directly affects the electroplating industry and indirectly industries such as mechanical engineering that use chromium VI. Under certain conditions, the European Chemicals Agency ECHA can approve the continued use of chromium VI, for example if it cannot simply be substituted.
Companies that want to continue using chromium VI as a pure substance or in mixtures until September 21, 2024 must carry out an exposure measurement for their application for authorization. The measurements include, for example, exposure at workplaces, in waste water or emissions into the environment. These measurements must be carried out by June 18, 2021, and the measurement results must be submitted to ECHA by December 18, 2021.
These exposure measurements must be repeated annually during approved continued operation. With its accredited measuring body - for hazardous substances (in accordance with Section 7 (10) GefStoffV) and the environment (in accordance with Sections 26, 29b BImSchG) - DEKRA offers many years of experience for the measurements and reliable analysis with its accredited laboratory.
