Which of the following are acute effects of chromium VI exposure?

• A. Lung cancer
• B. Skin irritation, burns, ulcers
• C. Kidney stones
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (B)

Acute effects are the immediate health reactions that happen soon after exposure. For chromium VI, the clearest acute outcome is local tissue damage from contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Skin contact can cause irritation, chemical burns, and ulcers, which are classic immediate injuries from this agent. Inhalation can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, producing coughing or throat irritation right after exposure. While chromium VI is a well-known carcinogen with long-term cancer risk from chronic exposure, that outcome is not an acute effect. Neither kidney stones nor hair loss are typical immediate responses to chromium VI exposure.