It is a common laboratory chemical, whereas sodium chromate is important industrially.

[1] These structures are complex, although the chromate ion adopts the typical tetrahedral geometry.

[citation needed] As with other Cr(VI) compounds, potassium chromate is carcinogenic.

[3] The compound is also corrosive and exposure may produce severe eye damage or blindness.

[4] Human exposure further encompasses impaired fertility, heritable genetic damage and harm to unborn children.