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?
The article explores the significant differences between the essentiality of trivalent chromium (Cr3+) and the toxicity of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), discussing their distinct impacts on human health. While Cr3+ plays a crucial role in metabolic processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism, Cr6+ is highly toxic, leading to severe health consequences like cancer, DNA damage, and cellular dysfunction. The document reviews recent findings on chromium’s environmental impact, the biological mechanisms of Cr6+ toxicity, and sustainable remediation strategies, including gut remediation, chemical, and herbal treatments.
Who is affected?
Workers in industries that involve chromium exposure, such as chrome plating, pigment manufacturing, and chemical production, are at risk. Additionally, communities near chromium-contaminated areas, particularly those with Cr6+in drinking water, soil, or air, face potential health hazards. Regulatory bodies, food safety agencies, and environmental authorities are responsible for managing and mitigating the risks posed by chromium through the enforcement of safety guidelines, monitoring, and public health initiatives.
Most important findings
The article underscores the vital role of Cr3+ as an essential micronutrient necessary for glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism in humans. Deficiencies in Cr3+ are linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes. Conversely, Cr6+ is a potent carcinogen that causes oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis. The findings reveal that Cr6+ is implicated in numerous health issues, including lung cancer, skin irritation, kidney damage, and neurodegenerative diseases. Remediation techniques, such as probiotics for gut health, chemical chelation, and herbal treatments, show promise in mitigating Cr6+ toxicity and improving public health.
Key implications
The toxicity of Cr6+ presents significant risks to both public health and industrial safety, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory measures to limit exposure and prevent contamination. The implementation of sustainable remediation methods, such as probiotics and herbal treatments, could provide cost-effective solutions for affected populations. Regulatory bodies must revise and enforce stricter guidelines for chromium limits in environmental and food safety standards, focusing on long-term public health protection and risk reduction. These measures are essential for minimizing the health impacts of chromium exposure and ensuring safer environments for vulnerable communities.
Citation
Monga, A., Fulke, A. B., & Dasgupta, D. (2022). Recent developments in essentiality of trivalent chromium and toxicity of hexavalent chromium: Implications on human health and remediation strategies. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 7, 100113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100113
