Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42329801›Full record

SynthesisAnnals of work exposures and health2026

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium: a systematic review of environmental monitoring methods and analytical advances.

Andrea Spinazzè, Francesca Borghi, Carolina Zellino, Veronica Prina, Andrea Cattaneo, Sandro Recchia, Carlo Dossi, Salvatore Della Notte, Veruscka Leso, Ivo Iavicoli and 1 more

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Annals of work exposures and health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Andrea SpinazzèDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-0371-3164
Francesca BorghiDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.
Carolina ZellinoDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.
Veronica PrinaDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.
Andrea CattaneoDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-2962-7259
Sandro RecchiaDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.
Carlo DossiDepartment of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via O. Rossi, 9, Varese 21100, Italy.
Salvatore Della NotteDepartment of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.
Veruscka LesoDepartment of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-3039-2856
Ivo IavicoliDipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy.
Domenico Maria CavalloDepartment of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, CO 22100, Italy.

Funding

Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca 20229ZC7BE
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well-established occupational carcinogen, widely utilized in industrial processes such as electroplating, surface treatment, and ferrochromium production. It is also generated as a by-product of welding activities. Accurate monitoring of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) is essential for protecting workers' health. This review aims to critically assess the main challenges associated with existing environmental monitoring techniques for Cr(VI) in welding operations and to propose practical strategies to address these limitations.

methodsA systematic literature review was conducted by consulting 3 scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Studies assessing occupational exposure to Cr(VI) published since 2014, were included and analyzed in terms of methods, dosimetric parameters measures, and possible alternative approaches for Cr(VI) characterization.

resultsThe reviewed studies employed diverse environmental monitoring strategies for occupational Cr(VI) exposure assessment, with substantial heterogeneity in sampling conventions, analytical workflows, and speciation capability. Some studies additionally reported biological measurements and/or used exposure modeling as supportive approaches; however, these were not systematically reviewed as primary endpoints. Findings confirm that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) remains a concern in multiple industries, with exposure levels varying according to tasks, process characteristics, and preventive measures. However, major challenges persist. Key issues include the difficulty of distinguishing Cr species, the instability of Cr(VI) during sampling and analysis, and the scarcity of reliable speciation data. Furthermore, particle size distribution-especially the role of ultrafine particles-remains poorly characterized despite its toxicological importance. Innovative tools, including advanced analytical methods and modeling approaches, show promise but require further validation.

conclusionsTo fill research gaps and improve risk assessment, future studies should (i) accurately differentiate between chemical species of metals; (ii) adopt methods capable of measuring particle size distribution, with focus on ultrafine fractions; and (iii) systematically collect contextual data on Personal Protective Equipment use and work activities.

Indexed as

Air Pollutants, OccupationalChromiumEnvironmental MonitoringOccupational ExposureHumansWeldingAir Pollutants, OccupationalChromiumchromium hexavalent ionalkaline extractionbiomonitoringchromateCr(VI) speciationdiphenylcarbazideexposure assessmentinhalable fractionISO 16740NIOSH 7600risk assessmentultrafine particleswelding fumes

Identifiers

PMID42329801
PMCPMC13285725

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.