Estimated Population At Risk At Identified Sites: 7.3 Million
People Estimated Global Impact: 13 to 17 Million People Chromium
is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is commonly used in
industrial processes and can cause severe health effects in
humans. Although it can be released through natural forces, the
majority of the environmental releases of chromium are from
industrial sources. The industries with the largest contribution
to chromium levels include leather tanning operations, metal
processing, stainless steel welding, chromate production, and
chrome pigment production. Chromium can be found in many
consumer products, including wood treated with copper
dichromate, leather tanned with chromic sulfate, and stainless
steel cookware.  Of the chromium sites identified so far by
Blacksmith Institute, roughly 75% are located in South Asia. Of
these, nearly a third are associated with tannery operations,
with mining and metallurgy sites also contributing
significantly. The high concentration of chromium si