Substitution of chromium trioxide and nickel in the electroplating of sanitary appliances to prevent nickel leaching into drinking water

Type of measure: Substitution

Chromium trioxide was placed on the REACH Authorisation List in 2013 and its use has needed a specific authorisation in the EU since 2017.

Instead of applying for an authorisation to further use the toxic substance in the electroplating of metal sanitary appliances, it was decided to implement a trivalent chromium process and to eliminate chromium trioxide completely. In parallel, the nickel sublayer is substituted by a copper-Bakar layer.

To find out more about Chromium trioxide, check out our factsheet!

More information

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Published July 26, 2023

Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Relevance

Carcinogens involved:
Nickel compounds

Sector(s) involved:
Other service activities

About this case

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General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.