DrFeb
Health Guide

Potassium dichromate

Potassium Dichromate ($K_2Cr_2O_7$) is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of potassium and dichromate. It appears as a red-orange crystalline solid. While it has various industrial uses—such as a oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, in chrome plating, and for preserving leather—it is **extremely hazardous** to human health. It is crucial to distinguish this toxic chemical from essential dietary minerals like Chromium (Cr), which is a trace element required by the body. Potassium Dichromate is strictly for laboratory or industrial use and poses severe risks if ingested, inhaled, or touched.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Potassium dichromate
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity Comparison: Chromium Forms

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Toxicity Level (Relative)
Compound Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Industrial Utility (Not Health Benefits)

  • Oxidizing Agent: Widely used in chemistry laboratories to oxidize alcohols and aldehydes.
  • Industrial Applications: Essential in chrome plating and the production of pigments.
  • Preservation: Historically used in tanning leather.

Deep Dive

There are no health benefits to Potassium Dichromate. In fact, scientific consensus classifies it as a human carcinogen. Unlike the trace mineral Chromium (III) found in foods like broccoli and grapes—which helps regulate blood sugar—Potassium Dichromate (Chromium VI) is highly toxic and reactive. It causes oxidative damage to cells, DNA, and proteins.

Natural Food Sources (Comparison)

Potassium Dichromate does not occur naturally in edible foods. However, the essential mineral Chromium (III) is found naturally in many foods.

FoodAmount (Approximate)Source of Chromium
Broccoli11 mcg per cupNatural Trace Mineral
Grape Juice8 mcg per cupNatural Trace Mineral
Potatoes3 mcg per mediumNatural Trace Mineral
Garlic3 mcg per cloveNatural Trace Mineral

Industrial Sources

Potassium Dichromate is synthesized chemically. It is not found in nature as a free compound.

Top Food Sources

N/A
Not a dietary nutrient.
Laboratory Reagents
Source of Chromium (VI) toxicity.
Broccoli (Safe Cr-III)
Natural dietary Chromium source.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Nutritional supplements usually contain Chromium (III) or Picolinate, which are safe in small amounts. Potassium Dichromate contains Chromium (VI), which is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately. It is corrosive to the gastrointestinal tract and can cause systemic organ failure. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical professionals.
Yes, it is a known contact allergen causing allergic contact dermatitis (skin rash) in sensitive individuals.
Yes, due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity, it is banned as a food additive in most jurisdictions (including the EU and US).

Safety & Side Effects

Toxicity Profile & Safety

CRITICAL WARNING: Do not ingest, inhale, or allow skin contact.

  • Carcinogenicity: Classified by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) as Group 1 (Carcinogenic to humans). Long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer and nasal cancer.
  • Acute Toxicity: Ingestion can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and acute kidney/liver failure. A dose of 1-2 grams can be fatal to an adult.
  • Irritation: Contact causes severe skin burns (ulcers) and eye damage. Inhalation of dust creates respiratory irritation and asthma.
  • Mutagenicity: It can cause mutations in DNA.

Who should avoid it? Everyone. It has no medical or dietary application for humans.

Scientific References

  • [1]IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 100C (2012).
  • [2]ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Toxicological Profile for Chromium.
  • [3]NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Chromium(VI) compounds.