Environmental Testing Services

Huntington Beach, CA, July 10, 2023

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced in late May that it passed updates to the agency’s rules on airborne toxins that will phase out the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) by chrome plating and chromic anodizing facilities. The update starts with its use for decorative purposes, where safer alternatives are now available.

According to CARB:

Hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen that is the second most potent toxic air contaminant identified by the state, and it is 500 times more toxic than diesel exhaust. The process that chrome platers use for both decorative and functional purposes on metal products creates emissions that pose health risks for residents living near the facilities, which are often disadvantaged communities that face other environmental and air pollution burdens. The new update to the 2007 Airborne Toxic Control Measure gives decorative platers a choice between a 2027 or 2030 deadline to transition to less toxic options that are currently available, and in 2039 for functional platers, where alternatives are still being developed. 

“CARB estimates there are currently more than 110 permitted facilities in California that use hexavalent chromium,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The agency also states that there is no known safe level of exposure. To help protect workers, the public and the environment from exposure to hexavalent chromium and other industrial chemical compounds, LA Testing’s California laboratories provide industrial hygiene and environmental testing services and sampling supplies. We also offer a wide range of personal protective equipment to mitigate occupational exposure hazards.”                   

To learn more about hexavalent chromium testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 


About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, industrial hygiene and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.