Japan suspended all BYD electric buses due to "Hexavalent Chromium"

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Japan suspended all BYD electric buses due to “Hexavalent Chromium”

Japan suspended all BYD electric buses due to “Hexavalent Chromium”. BYD’s Japanese subsidiary responds to the issue of using hexavalent chromium.

The Japanese subsidiary of BYD (BYD), a large Chinese pure electric vehicle (EV) company, stated on February 23 that hexavalent chromium was used in the parts of BYD’s pure electric buses sold in Japan, and said that in normal operation after manufacture, etc. Will not affect the human body and the environment. By the end of 2023, new pure electric buses will no longer use hexavalent chromium.

Five types of pure electric buses including the minibus “J6” sold by BYD in Japan use a solvent containing hexavalent chromium to prevent parts such as bolts and nuts from rusting. Regarding the pure electric passenger cars launched in Japan at the end of January, BYD Japan said it is cooperating with BYD headquarters to investigate whether hexavalent chromium is used.

Japan suspended all BYD electric buses due to "Hexavalent Chromium" The photo shows the small pure electric bus “J6” sold by BYD in Japan (source:zhihu)

Hexavalent chromium is a chemical substance widely used in automobile parts for the purpose of plating treatment to prevent metal surface from rusting. It is considered to be highly toxic and harmful to humans. Although there is no law prohibiting the use of products such as automobiles in Japan, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has banned the use of it as an industry voluntary restriction since 2008. In principle, new cars after the same year are no longer used.

BYD Auto Japan (located in Yokohama City), BYD’s Japanese subsidiary, said, “In the normal use of the vehicle after manufacture, it will not affect passengers, crew members and maintenance personnel. It will be harmless when it is scrapped and will not harm the environment. cause an impact”.

The company said it “has been following the regulations required for sales in Japan”. In order to make passengers and others safer and more at ease, the use of hexavalent chromium will be stopped on the new pure electric buses “J6” and “K8” that will be launched at the end of 2023.

Around BYD’s use of hexavalent chromium, Hino Motors canceled the launch of the small pure electric bus “Poncho Z EV” scheduled to be launched before March. The model was originally planned to be supplied by BYD to Hino Motors in the form of OEM (OEM production).

As the use of hexavalent chromium came to light, bus operators were also scrambling to cope. Keihan Bus Company (Kyoto City) has suspended the operation of four BYD-made buses since the 23rd and switched to diesel buses.

Seibu Bus (Tororozawa City, Saitama Prefecture) originally planned to introduce 2 BYD vehicles and use them from February 27, but will discuss the postponement of the time to put them into use. The person in charge of the Seibu Bus Management Department said, “After the 24th, discussions will be held within the company to determine how to respond.”

Why Hexavalent Chromium is harmful to human?

Hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium VI, is a toxic form of the metallic element chromium.

It is a known carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer, and it can also cause a range of other health problems.

When hexavalent chromium enters the body, it can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to mutations and other cellular damage that can contribute to the development of cancer.

In addition, hexavalent chromium can cause lung cancer when inhaled, as well as respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium can also cause other health problems, including skin irritation, nasal and sinus irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and kidney and liver damage.

Ingesting large amounts of hexavalent chromium can be fatal.

Hexavalent chromium can be found in a variety of industrial processes, including welding, electroplating, and manufacturing of certain chemicals.

It is important to take proper safety precautions when working with hexavalent chromium to minimize the risk of exposure.

How to treat “hexavalent chromium exposure”?

The treatment for hexavalent chromium exposure depends on the severity and duration of exposure. If someone has been exposed to hexavalent chromium, they should seek medical attention immediately.

If the exposure is mild, treatment may involve flushing the affected area with water and removing contaminated clothing.

In cases of inhalation exposure, the affected person may be given oxygen therapy to help with breathing. Ingestion of hexavalent chromium may require gastric lavage or other medical procedures to remove the substance from the body.

In more severe cases, the person may require hospitalization and treatment with medications to address symptoms such as respiratory distress, skin irritation, or other health problems caused by hexavalent chromium exposure. Long-term monitoring may also be necessary to assess the ongoing health effects of exposure.

Prevention is key to avoiding hexavalent chromium exposure. Proper safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and appropriate workplace regulations and policies, can help prevent exposure to hexavalent chromium and reduce the risk of associated health problems.

What are the medical measures to treat “hexavalent chromium exposure”?

The medical measures to treat hexavalent chromium exposure depend on the severity and duration of the exposure, as well as the symptoms that are present.

The following are some of the medical measures that may be used to treat hexavalent chromium exposure:

Decontamination: The first step in treating hexavalent chromium exposure is to remove any contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with copious amounts of water. This helps to prevent further absorption of the chemical into the body.
Oxygen therapy: If the exposure is through inhalation, oxygen therapy may be used to help with breathing.
Medications: Depending on the symptoms that are present, medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antihistamines may be used to help alleviate respiratory distress, skin irritation, or other symptoms.
Intravenous fluids: Intravenous fluids may be given to help flush the chemical from the body and prevent dehydration.
Chelation therapy: In cases of severe exposure, chelation therapy may be used. This involves the administration of medications that bind to the hexavalent chromium in the bloodstream and facilitate its excretion from the body.

It’s important to note that there is no specific antidote for hexavalent chromium exposure, so treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing further absorption of the chemical into the body. Anyone who has been exposed to hexavalent chromium should seek medical attention immediately, as prompt treatment can help minimize the risk of serious health complications.

Japan suspended all BYD electric buses due to “Hexavalent Chromium”.

(source:internet, reference only)

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