Hard Chrome Replacement

The process of hard chrome plating involves the use of toxic hexavalent chromium compounds, which can pose significant environmental and health risks. These compounds are carcinogenic and can also lead to pollution of air, water, and soil. Many countries have strict regulations on the use and disposal of hexavalent chromium, making it increasingly challenging to comply with environmental standards.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) includes hexavalent chromium in its list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). ECHA determines whether the risks associated with a certain chemical can be safely managed. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction), which is a European Union regulation, has been enforced since June 1^st, 2007, and seeks to protect human health and the environment from the potential risks of chemical substances. REACH regulates chemical use based upon evaluations and recommendations from ECHA and produces a list of prohibited substances in Annex XVII.

Although Chromium isn’t prohibited in the US, its use is regulated by several organizations and agencies. As mentioned above, OSHA provides workplace guidelines to limit chromium exposure. NIOSH also provides recommendations to reduce the risks of chromium exposure.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates chromium emissions into the air under the Clean Air Act of 1990. The EPA also restricts the amount of total chromium contaminant in drinking water to 100 μg/L.