NASF Leads Chromium Symposium for California Air Resources Board
NASF leads chromium surface finishing symposium for California state officials considering new restrictions.
The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) and its California chapters held a chromium plating symposium for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on Wednesday March 3. As part of CARB’s consideration on possible regulatory options to address hexavalent chromium, state officials agreed to NASF’s suggestion to convene a slate of industry experts to discuss the status of trivalent chromium plating technology and the current barriers and timelines for a broad application of trivalent chromium processes.
The symposium highlighted the surface finishing industry’s proactive approach to promoting innovative technologies and implementing risk management options for hexavalent chromium and included subject matter expert panels in four areas: (1) decorative chromium plating; (2) functional or hard chromium plating; (3) implications for aerospace and defense applications; and (4) perspectives from job shops in California.
The full-day session allowed ample opportunities for open discussion and questions with CARB officials, including other uses of hexavalent chromium such as chromium etch, anodizing, conversion coatings, chromate seals, and paints. The discussions also addressed broader global developments in the form of European Union REACH restrictions, developments in fume suppressants, military and commercial specifications, and ongoing research on chromium processes.
The symposium provided a comprehensive exchange of information and insights between the surface finishing industry and regulators. NASF intends to continue this valuable dialogue between its leadership and CARB officials, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other interested parties.
A topical report on the issues covered and the discussion from the NASF Symposium is under preparation, but a full list of specific presentations can be accessed in the meantime here.
For more information about the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) or to become a member, visit nasf.org.
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