Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
A comprehensive review was conducted on the neurotoxic effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a widely recognized environmental pollutant with significant health risks, including carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity. Cr(VI) has long been known to pose risks to respiratory health, but its neurotoxic effects are only beginning to be understood. This review summarizes human, animal, and cell culture studies investigating Cr(VI)’s impact on brain health, with a focus on oxidative damage, behavioral changes, and neurodegeneration. Despite its established role as a human carcinogen, the review found limited studies addressing its neurotoxicity. The research highlights that Cr(VI) may impair cognitive function, social memory, and motor coordination, particularly in children and elderly individuals. However, there is a significant lack of regulatory consideration regarding Cr(VI)’s neurotoxic effects, despite growing evidence from both experimental and observational studies.
Who is affected?
Individuals exposed to Cr(VI) through industrial, environmental, and occupational settings are at risk of neurotoxic effects. Occupational groups, including those working in industries such as chromate production, electroplating, and leather tanning, face the most significant exposure risks. Furthermore, residents living in areas with high levels of Cr(VI) contamination, particularly those near industrial zones, may also be exposed. Vulnerable populations such as children, whose developing brains may be more susceptible to toxic damage, and elderly individuals, who may face heightened sensitivity due to aging and cumulative metal exposure, are particularly at risk. Given the widespread presence of Cr(VI) in the environment, this neurotoxicity poses a public health concern that requires urgent attention from both policymakers and public health officials.
Most important findings
The review revealed several critical findings regarding the neurotoxic effects of Cr(VI). First, Cr(VI) exposure was linked to oxidative damage and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissues, which contributes to neurodegeneration. Animal studies demonstrated that Cr(VI) exposure impaired learning, memory, and motor functions, with notable deficits in social memory observed in both animals and humans. Specific brain regions, including the cerebellum and hypothalamus, were shown to accumulate Cr, which may contribute to the neurotoxic effects observed. In particular, the developing brain in children appears to be more vulnerable to Cr(VI)-induced damage due to its heightened mitotic activity. Further, Cr(VI) exposure was associated with increased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress markers, including elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating substantial neurodegeneration. The review also highlighted a lack of regulatory guidelines addressing the neurotoxic effects of Cr(VI), which could lead to insufficient protection for vulnerable populations.
Key implications
The neurotoxic effects of Cr(VI) have significant implications for both public health and industry practices. Current regulatory frameworks largely focus on the carcinogenic and respiratory effects of Cr(VI), neglecting its potential neurotoxic impacts. This gap in regulation can lead to insufficient safety measures for workers and residents in high-risk areas. The growing evidence of Cr(VI)’s neurotoxic effects underscores the need for regulatory bodies to update exposure limits and include neurotoxicity in safety assessments. For the food and beverage industry, this review highlights the need for stricter monitoring of Cr(VI) levels in the environment and potential contamination in water sources. Additionally, occupational health regulations should be updated to include neurotoxicological assessments for workers exposed to Cr(VI). Public health guidelines must consider the broader impacts of Cr(VI) exposure on cognitive function and mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Citation
Young, J. L., Cai, J., & Cai, L. (2021). Current Understanding of Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] Neurotoxicity and New Perspectives. Environment International, 158, 106877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106877
Chromium (Cr) is a widely used metal with significant public health implications, especially in its toxic hexavalent form. The HMTC program’s stricter regulations ensure that chromium exposure is minimized, safeguarding consumer health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
