What are the clinical signs of chromium poisoning?

• A. Dermal, Respiratory, and GI
• B. Neurological signs only
• C. Cardiac and hepatic signs
• D. Renal and ocular signs

Answer: (A)

Chromium poisoning most often shows effects in the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract because exposure routes include skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Dermal exposure commonly causes dermatitis at contact sites from irritant chromium compounds. Inhalation of chromium compounds, especially hexavalent chromium, irritates the airways and can produce cough, wheeze, and bronchitis. Ingestion or ingestion-related exposure leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea. While chromium can affect other organs with longer or higher exposures (including kidneys or liver in some cases), the classic acute presentation centers on skin involvement, respiratory irritation, and GI upset. The other options describe systems that are not the primary or most characteristic signs of chromium poisoning.