Death by tanning--a case of fatal basic chromium sulphate poisoning.
A woman ingested 400 ml of leather tanning solution containing 48 g of basic chromium sulphate (CrOHSO4). This substance forms hydrogen ions and trivalent chromium when it reacts with tissue proteins. The patient died of cardiogenic shock, complicated by pancreatitis and gut mucosal necrosis and haemorrhage. There are no reported cases of toxicity due to oral ingestion of trivalent chromium. Toxicity of hexavalent and trivalent chromium is discussed and suggestions made for management of future cases.
van Heerden
P V
PV
Department of Intensive Care, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Jenkins
I R
IR
Woods
W P
WP
Rossi
E
E
Cameron
P D
PD
D000328:Adult; D017608:Chromium Compounds / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000652:urine; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000150:complications; D011379:Prognosis; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013431:Sulfates / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000652:urine; D013633:Tanning
D017608:Chromium Compounds; D013431:Sulfates; C040874:chromium sulfate