An orange to red colored, crystalline, inorganic compound that emits toxic chromium fumes upon heating. Potassium dichromate is highly corrosive and is a strong oxidizing agent. This substance is used in wood preservatives, in the manufacture of pigments and in photomechanical processes, but is mainly replaced by sodium dichromate. Potassium dichromate primarily affects the respiratory tract causing ulcerations, shortness of breath, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma but can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and immune system. This substance is a known human carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer and cancer of the sinonasal cavity. (NCI05)

Chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), dipotassium salt. A compound having bright orange-red crystals and used in dyeing, staining, tanning leather, as bleach, oxidizer, depolarizer for dry cells, etc. Medically it has been used externally as an astringent, antiseptic, and caustic. When taken internally, it is a corrosive poison.