Chromium
Occurrence
Chromium and chromium compounds are used for surface treatment, to color textile, tanning leather, impregnating wood and for producing color pigments, inks and catalysts. Leather bags, gloves and belts may have been tanned with chromium to make it soft. Chromium can also be found in toys, electronics and cement. Chromium is present in trace amounts in many foods.
Health
Chromium has been classified as a carcinogen by WHO. Some chromium compounds may cause sensitization.
Swedish snus and foodstuffs
100 g of vegetables contain 30 micrograms of chromium, which is equivalent to the contents in 3 (x) 24 g cans of Swedish snus.
Limit values
There is no limit for chromium in food in Sweden. However, there is a GOTHIATEK limit and this has been so since the standard was introduced.
