The cytotoxic, mutagenic and clastogenic effects of chromium-containing compounds on mammalian cells in culture.

Examples of chromic and chromate salts have been examined for their effects on a cultured Chinese hamster cell line. The responses studied were cytotoxicity, mutagenesis and clastogenesis. Chromate (hexavalent chromium) salts of both high and medium water solubility were active in producing all three classes of response, whereas an insoluble chromate salt and a soluble chromic (trivalent chromium) salt were inactive. In addition to illustrating the value of using mammalian cells in culture for screening chemicals for biological activity, the results of this study reinforce current views regarding the genotoxic properties of chromates.