Chromate Dissociation from Primer Paint in Simulated Lung Fluid

United States Air Force aircraft require a protective coating to prevent corrosion. Strontium chromate is an essential component in the primer paint to provide corrosion control. Occupational exposure limits to chromate are based on animal and epidemiological studies, which demonstrate that chromate is carcinogenic. Such studies may not accurately reflect the exposure of the USAF application method: spray painting. If chromate cannot dissociate from a primer paint particle, the particle may be cleared from the upper regions of the lung before chromate release can occur.