Letter 19048

Hex chrome present in final coating? [Illinois] 

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Hexavalent chrome is included on the California Prop 65 list. We are concerned that chromated parts (screws, brackets, misc hardware) on our consumer products may subject the products to citizen lawsuits. Our products are not labeled to meet Prop 65 requirements.

If a hex chrome based chromating solution is utilized, will the resulting finish actually contain hex chrome? I was under the impression that all the hex chrome is reduced as part of the chemical conversion process. We purchase all the chromated parts and then assemble the products, primarily overseas, so we do not have any in-house technical expertise on this matter.

Rich Vernam
- Elgin, IL, USA

I haven't read California Proposition 65 and frankly don't feel like reading it because it's surely a temporary, trendy, illusion-of-control pacifier :-)

But hex-chrome based chromates definitely leave hex chrome on the part! Due to the European Parliament's ELV rulings on automobile recycling, and the automotive community's acceptance of it, there will be no (for practical purposes) hexavalent chromating of parts going into automobiles worldwide. So unless there is an exceptional reason not to, I would ride the crest if I were you, and take this opportunity to remove hexavalent chromate from the product without even bothering myself about Prop. 65's take on the issue.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

My question is very similar to that of Rich Vernam. I would like to know if there would be any hexavalent chrome left from the process on a bright metallic chromed part?

Peter Robson
Nokia Mobile Phones - Farnborough, UK

As long as they are well rinsed, no. People have been eating off of chrome plated surfaces for decades.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

If the surface is a chromate conversion coating that uses hex chrome, then yes. If it is electroplated chrome, then probably not.

James Totter, CEF - Tallahassee, FL

What is the replacement of hexavalent chromium used in passivation of enplated surface...?

Geeta Kumar
- San Jose, CA, USA

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