Question

Is potassium chromate a carcinogen?

Answer 1

Hint: We have to know that a carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer which can be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Potassium chromate is an inorganic salt.

Complete answer:
We have to know that the potassium chromate is an inorganic compound with the formula (\[{K_2}Cr{O_4}\]). It has a yellow solid appearance and is the potassium salt of the chromate anion. It is a common laboratory chemical, whereas sodium chromate is widely used in industries. It is found in two crystalline forms which are very similar to the corresponding potassium sulfate. Orthorhombic \[\beta - {K_2}Cr{O_4}\] is the common form, but it converts to a \[\alpha - \] form above \[66^\circ C\]. These structures are complex, although the sulfate adopts the typical tetrahedral geometry.
When we talk of carcinogenic properties, yes potassium chromate is carcinogenic. You can say that with other\[Cr\left( {VI} \right)\] compounds, potassium chromate is carcinogenic. The compound is also corrosive and exposure may produce severe eye damage or blindness. It has adverse effects on human health which is, Human exposure further encompasses impaired fertility, heritable genetic damage and harm to unborn children.

Note:
We have to know that unlike the less expensive sodium salt, potassium salt is mainly used for laboratory work in situations where an anhydrous salt is required. It is an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis. It is used in qualitative inorganic analysis, e.g. as a colorimetric test for silver ions. It is also used as an indicator in different titrations.