Chromium Exposure and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Chromium is a global environmental pollutant and a major public health concern. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is an established human lung carcinogen, particularly after inhalation exposure, yet its carcinogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. Impacts on DNA repair, chromosome structure and number, cellular metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, cell signaling, centrosome amplification, among others have all been implicated in its carcinogenicity along with epigenetic, mutagenic and aneugenic changes. Animal data have implicated drinking water exposure as another possible route to carcinogenic outcomes, though the data are complex and controversial raising important discussion about the appropriate strategies to assess risk for exposure to this important chemical. Trivalent chromium was once considered an essential element, but data have now clarified that while it might have a role as a pharmacological agent, it is not essential, but is nonetheless, important to understand in a health context. Data have also emerged that implicate Cr(VI) as an important reproductive concern with impacts on reproductive success and possibly for offspring, with the potential for multigenerational toxicity. This reproductive impact is an important consideration for not only human populations, but also for wildlife, particularly endangered species exposed to the ubiquitous chemical. Data indicated wildlife are often heavily exposed to chromium, though the route, sources and valence of exposure are poorly understood. Thus, chromium is a complex, multifaceted chemical that requires a deeper and broader understanding to better access and manage its impacts and health consequences.

This Special Issue on “Chromium Exposure and Health” invites submissions that help to elucidate the mechanisms or any health outcomes associated with exposure to chromium, whether in its trivalent or hexavalent form. Manuscripts addressing the science, or the assessment of risk are welcome including manuscripts that consider a biomedical, human health or one health perspectives.

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Chromium
• Health
• Carcinogenesis
• Chromate
• Chromosome Instability
• Mutagenesis
• Reproductive outcomes
• Risk Assessment
• One Health
• Wildlife
• Molecular mechanisms
• DNA repair
• Cell signaling
• Cellular metabolism