Current understanding of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] neurotoxicity and new perspectives

•Cr(VI) is a major public health concern for neurotoxicity.•Cr(VI) literature suggests it does not contribute to brain cancers.•Cr(VI)( may contribute to etiology of autism spectrum disorder.•The highest Cr levels observed in human brain were in the pituitary and temporal lobe.•Animal studies show Cr(VI) induced widespread neurodegeneration and oxidative damage.