Regulations and policies for chromium emissions to the environment

Abstract

Chromium (Cr), especially in its hexavalent form [Cr(VI)], is a hazardous pollutant of global concern due to its carcinogenicity, persistence, and widespread industrial use. This chapter critically examines the evolution of Cr emission regula tions, from early workplace safety measures to major interventions such as the U.S. Clean Air and Water Acts, the EU’s REACH Regulation, and the IARC’s classifi cation of Cr(VI) as a Group 1 carcinogen. It explores policy challenges, including species-specific thresholds, enforcement disparities, and economic resistance across regional, national, and international frameworks. Sector-specific controls in leather tanning, electroplating, and textiles are reviewed, along with landmark legal cases like the Erin Brockovich litigation and India’s tannery reforms, illustrating the role of judicial activism in strengthening accountability. The analysis highlights emerging strategies such as green chemistry, AI-based environmental monitoring, and circular economy integration as pathways for closing regulatory gaps. Overall, this chapter underscores the need for harmonized standards, strict enforcement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate the transboundary risks of Cr pollution.